Phono Preamp price range $2000-$4000


I want to buy new Phono preamp for Shelter 9000 cart, the sound i want very neutral and high resolution and balanced, also synergic with Krell gear.

JC3 have good reviews but some complaint its noisy, Sutherland Duo look very promising but no reviews, Pass lab XP-15 sound good choice.

I appreciate any comments or thoughts about these models particularly Duo. Also some suggestion for other phonos, most reliable and popular, also sonically impressive.

Cheers.

Thank you.
knight7m
The higher gain version of the Artemis Labs tube phonostage is worth looking into. I have not heard the Zesto Andros, but, it certainly looks good and has received a lot of praise.
I want to buy new Phono preamp for Shelter 9000 cart, the sound i want very neutral and high resolution and balanced, also synergic with Krell gear.
One thing that should be indicated is the input impedance of the Krell (or other?) preamp you will be using. Or at least the model number of the particular preamp.

Some Krell preamps have very high input impedances, which would not be an issue. But some are spec'd as low as 10K, which would not be a good match with some tube phono stages, quite possibly including some of those which have been mentioned above.

Also, am I correct in assuming that the word "balanced" in your post refers to sound quality, and not to a requirement for a balanced XLR interface?

Finally, although I haven't heard it I've seen a great deal of extremely favorable commentary from others whose opinions I particularly respect about the Herron VTPH-2, at $3650 new. It would not be suitable, though, if the preamp's input impedance is significantly less than 25K, or if a balanced interface is required.

Regards,
-- Al
Make sure whatever Phono preamp you get matches up correctly with your Shelter 9000 cartridge. Below is the pertinent information you need per Vinyl Engine.

Output Impedance 11
Load Impedance 10 - 30
Recommended load is 100 ohms when using MC head amp.
Another vote for the Ayre P-5xe.
Although I may go for a Manley Chinook down the road (in addition to the Ayre).
I bought an Ayre P5-xe and highly recommend it.
You should go to the trouble to get a balanced phono cable if you can run it balanced in your system.