I would personally not sweat the XLR-Balanced/RCA-Unbalanced issue too much. Plenty of truly fine components use RCA-Unbalanced connections and topology.
I would recommend the Cary SLI-80 integrated amp to you. It's tubed (including the DC conversion, tube rectifiers), it has at least three line level inputs (for tuners, CD players, tape decks) and I believe it can be had with it's own on-board phono section for a turn table. I know the SLI-80 used to come with it's own phono section. Check Cary's web site for the latest info, and perhaps phone them up if they don't mention the phono section on their web info to ask if they will still add one for you.
I have heard this integrated amp on a couple of occasions. Always liked it. They are available used on AugiogoN, too.
I have installed two Marantz PM-7200 integrated amplifiers ($550) for a non-profit arts organization. Before I put them into their new home, I ran them in my own system for a couple of days. I have to say that I was very impressed. It has its own MM phono section and can be switched into full Class A mode (with much reduced wattage output) but a more refined sound.
The Marantz PM-7200 is way less than your proposed price range, but I dare say it would certainly get you started and maybe even satisfy your needs. Save the extra cash, or get more music, or upgrade your system rack, power cords and cabling if you have to spend the money.
Another integrated amp you may want to audition that is fully balanced is the Arye AX-7e ($3000). It's solid state, but it might work for you. You have a fine CDP and it could be used completely balanced with the Ayre unit.
Yes, the phono section or phono stage does have to be matched to the cartridge you intend to use---at least at the basic high- or low output level. You may want to start with a moving magnet (MM) or high-output MovingCoil (MC) cartridge, and avoid using a low-to-medium output Moving Coil cartridge. Avoid any cartridge with an output lower than 2 mV. MM phono sections are far more common and less expense as are their associated cartridges, than the lower output MC equipment.
Hope this helps.
I would recommend the Cary SLI-80 integrated amp to you. It's tubed (including the DC conversion, tube rectifiers), it has at least three line level inputs (for tuners, CD players, tape decks) and I believe it can be had with it's own on-board phono section for a turn table. I know the SLI-80 used to come with it's own phono section. Check Cary's web site for the latest info, and perhaps phone them up if they don't mention the phono section on their web info to ask if they will still add one for you.
I have heard this integrated amp on a couple of occasions. Always liked it. They are available used on AugiogoN, too.
I have installed two Marantz PM-7200 integrated amplifiers ($550) for a non-profit arts organization. Before I put them into their new home, I ran them in my own system for a couple of days. I have to say that I was very impressed. It has its own MM phono section and can be switched into full Class A mode (with much reduced wattage output) but a more refined sound.
The Marantz PM-7200 is way less than your proposed price range, but I dare say it would certainly get you started and maybe even satisfy your needs. Save the extra cash, or get more music, or upgrade your system rack, power cords and cabling if you have to spend the money.
Another integrated amp you may want to audition that is fully balanced is the Arye AX-7e ($3000). It's solid state, but it might work for you. You have a fine CDP and it could be used completely balanced with the Ayre unit.
Yes, the phono section or phono stage does have to be matched to the cartridge you intend to use---at least at the basic high- or low output level. You may want to start with a moving magnet (MM) or high-output MovingCoil (MC) cartridge, and avoid using a low-to-medium output Moving Coil cartridge. Avoid any cartridge with an output lower than 2 mV. MM phono sections are far more common and less expense as are their associated cartridges, than the lower output MC equipment.
Hope this helps.