What is the BEST phono stage

Onhw61, thanks for your response, in regards to hooking up Manley,I had a Hum and wanted to make sure 100% it was hooked up right as I had a C2300 which was MUCH quieter, I changed cables, screwed around w/ tubes,outlets ect...Finally i decided to read the directions of the C2200 (imagine that) and low and behold....I had to reconfigure settings! When all else fails follow directions! And yes without a doubt I want dealer help,Gon member help,auditions ect... Thanks everyone!

Try the EAR line.

Another to check out is the Rossner and Sohn Canofer. An excellent and extremely adjustable german offering.

Wavestream Kinetics designed by Scott Franklyn is a tube super phono pre-amp in your price range that betters many higher price products. I think its one of the best at any price period. I'm biased because bought it to replaced my Aesthetix's Io Signature that I loved. The Wavestream products may have dealers across the country, but are available from Analog Room in San Jose, CA. Of course I'm subject to the same euphoria like many buyers, so its just MHO - no more. Damn, it sounds so gooooooood!

Second the Wavestream in your price range. But at this level, (and every other) it is a very personal thing.