Phono Preamp and Cartridge selection

For the stated budget, I'd recommend an MM cartridge (or 2 or 3). Put as much of your $3K into the phono stage as you possibly can, you'll never regret it.

I've heard (and own) $200 MMs that compete easily with any sub-$1K MC, and most sub-$2K MCs. The extra $500-1500 you'd have to spend for a decent MC won't get you any better sound, because that money would come right out of your phono stage budget. At this price point, an extra $500-1500 invested in a better phono stage will provide much more sonic performance than the same money invested in a cartridge.

IMO, if you can spend a few dollars more, the Herron VTPH-2 will probably be the last phono stage you'll need. It is sonically as good as it VTPH-2 does not sound like tubes or solid state. It doesn't "sound" at all. It is just transparent to the signal.

"It is as sonically as good as it gets." Sorry, still getting used to a neW KeYboaRt.

I just recently purchased a Ortofon 2m black which is currently in my Miracord 50h Mk II. I plan on putting this in my new VPI. They also recommended the Ortofon Cadenza Black. Retails about $250 more than the 2M Black. I agree phono stage is will give me more bang for the buck now.

If you can get a Cadenza black for $250 more than a 2M Black, RUN and buy it asap!