Best Phono Preamp under $1000

I own the Phonomena. It's supposed to be better than the Black Cube, I haven't compared it directly. I'M SURE IT'D BE BETTER THAN THE CUBE WITH THE BATTERY POWER SUPPLY OPTION, but that would push the Phonomena's price closer to the Benz Micro PP-1, which I believe would be as good or better than the ARC PH-3 (basic, not the prime one)...it's definitely QUIETER than anything this side of a Jeff Rowland Cadence (quietest of any phono in the world).

And a well known "1-800" mail order analog dealer did indeed quote me $1000 ($1295) for a brand spanking new Benz PP-1 phono stage...but I'd like a $.10 commission on this hot tip, heh heh heh...Good luck, and get me one while you're at it!

Thank you for your responses. I purchased the Audio Research PH3 and it indeed sounds wonderful.

I recently purchased a Lehmann Audio "Black Cube" to use with a new digital preamp. I am extremely pleased with it and think the retail price of $700 is fair. If you buy a new model, be sure it is the "Improved" version, which has a non-magnetic metal enclosure. If money is tight, there are used Black Cubes selling for $400-500. At that price, they are a steal!

Hi guys... I have an ARC SP9 and interested in purcaesing the PH3. I would like to keep the SP 9 (for economic reasons and I only listen to records). Someone told me that I could hook up the PH3 directly to the 9....it that possible?? Hoow is it done??