Regards your planned budget, be aware that the XLPSv3 will function with the supplied wall wart, but doesn't perform as well without the outboard power supply (XPSUv3). I've tried both ways. The two together do a very nice job, but the total cost will stretch your budget if you buy them new.

Check out ciaudio.com
Dusty Vawter (formerly of Audio Alchemy) makes some very nice equiptment. At your price range, is phono stage is dead on. You also get MM or MC options...a lot of entry=grade phono stages will offer one type or the other! Happy hunting, and more happy listening.

If you can stretch it to a little under $600 get the Musical Surroundings Phenomenon Phono stage, Magnet and Coil, fully adjustable and great sound, my dad uses it on his Scoutmaster with a mid level Benz Coil...very nice, I am going to get one soon and also might get the battery power option wich should make a nice improovement.

While you're checking out battery driven phono pre's, Chadnliz, consider the new Sutherland offering at $1000 - Ph3P, I think is the designation and reviews are very good.

Of course, act in an environmentally responsible way and dispose of the batteries properly. I fully expected to read something along the lines of, "...and the rechargeable batteries really do sound better!"

Seriously, the idea of using batteries in the phono pre is an excellent idea. In fact, I'd like to see somebody offer components with rechargeable batteries like power tools. Plug your gear in over-night and operate off of the batteries for 6 hours. Shoot, I have battery powered tools that have enough tork to break your wrist and so I'm sure it's doable at a reasonable price.

Phono preamps. Are they necessary with a receiver with a good preamp installed? Also, more money doesn't equal a good preamp. There is a lot of preamp hype due to demand. The best one I've heard is a low budget DJ PreII from ARTcessories. Lets face it. There is only so much one can put into a phono preamp.

DJ Pre II Spec Page

Thanks for the tip Cheap, I will look at it!

I recently got back on the forum after a long hiatus and many things have recently changed for me since then. I still have the VPI Scout but it has a new Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge on it. I did go with the the Musical Fidelity X-LPS v3 for a short time I but changed my electronics to the Musical Fidelity A5 Intergrated amp so I sold off the X-LPS and went straight into the A5 which has a phono section.

I recently purchased the Magnepan MMG's and the power from the A5, 250 wpc makes them sing. Getting back to the phono preamp, I just purchased a Graham Slee SE MM phono preamp (a sugestion from my audio shop) and couldn't be happier. For the first time in a while my analog system sounds great, and the speakers, cartridge and Graham Slee haven't been burned in at this time.

glad you're back.  i am sure it will just get better as the Graham breaks in.  best of luck with your system.

tom