[blazingsaddlez]

Trying to find some phono preamps which have XLR inputs and outputs and I'm just not finding very many.

 know there's the Pro-ject RS. Does anyone know of any more that don't cost an arm and a leg?

[Denverhifi]

Have you checked out the Keces Ephono & Ephono power supply?  I purchased one earlier this month,  and I am very impressed, given the price.  $700.  It has XLR out, but RCA in. Dual chassis and external cartridge adjustments.

[stonedeaf]

ELAC PPA-2 - basically two phono inputs -each of which can be set for mm or variable loading input LOMC or 47kOhm/68 pF MM. One of these inputs can also be set for either  balanced/XLR input or unbalanced RCA input. Single  stereo output either XLR or RCA's . Listening to "In a silent way" thru a M97xe and the PPA-2 as I type this - it's been some years since the last time I heard a Shure M97xe and amp sorta amazed at just how good this cart sounds run thru this phono preamp.

[Bob2]

Have not seen phono pre amps with balanced input connections.
Possibly just the price range I deal with.

Not sure if this fits the "arm and leg" budget requirement.
Balanced outputs though, here is an option.. https://www.goldnote.it/phono-stages/ph-10/

[Bill O'Connell]

Not many turntables with XLR outputs. What turntable do you have with XLR outputs? Just curious.

[TomS]

Zesto Andros and Atma-Sphere come to mind. My Trans-Fi Terminator tonearm had XLR wiring as an option, just 2 pins to XLR hot and cold. Ralph Karsten at Atma-Sphere suggests an MC cartridge is balanced by nature. Not worth debating here though, as I'm sure some will disagree.

[Denverhifi]

The same company that imports my Keces, also imports Violectric, made in Germany. XLR in and XLR out. $1,400.
Power Holdings Inc.

[blazingsaddlez]

Thanks for all the suggestions - much appreciated!

I'm running a Tri-Planar MKVII U2 tonearm with XLR. I have an Atma-Sphere MP-3 preamp with phono section and balanced XLR phono-in.

I'm looking to possibly compare an external phono preamp to MP-3's built in phono stage to see if there's something I may like better. Hence I'm trying to keep the comparison as apple to apple as I can.

[solypsa]

(caveat: I am a dealer for the following so will not comment on the subjective just making its existence known)

The AudioSpecials Phonolab can be ordered with balanced inputs. Due to space issue they use Lemo mini three pin (like a small XLR) and offer an XLR adaptor. The Phonolab comes standard with xlr balanced outputs.

I use the adaptors for testing between gear but obviously if it stays long term changing the xlr to the Lemo is the way to go to eliminate a junction...

Have fun in your testing!

[blazingsaddlez]

Thank you solypsa, good info to have!

[RPM123]

https://tavishdesign.com/products/adagio-vacuum-tube-phono-stage-mm-mc

[vintage9594]

Aqvox and BMC both make phono preamps with XLR in and out....
Good luck in with your search.

[blazingsaddlez]

Again, thank you all for the suggestions.

I should have mentioned that I'm looking for MM/MC and not just either/or, and a fully balanced XLR - my bad.

There's still enough choices to make my old head swim, but I seem to be drawn to a Clearaudio phono Plus or V2. Other than the V2 being newer, I don't know what the difference is between the two.

On the Clearaudio, I read that the power supply voltage can be changed by changing an internal fuse and moving a jumper. Can anyone verify?

[Coltrane23]

Have you considered a used Ayre p5xe or Avid Pulsare ii ? Up until last week I owned the Ayre p5xe and it is very good. I have also heard the Pulsare on numerous occasions sounding very nice.

[johnto]

I purchased a used Ayre myself and can vouch for it being an excellent phono pre with XLR and RCA ins and outs.

[LarryRS]

Parasound JC3 and JC3 Jr.

[brooklyn]

Gold Note PH-10 Phono Preamp has XLR outputs..

[joaor100]

I have a Leema Agena with balanced XLR ins and outs that I enjoy very much.