[bcanady]

Hi,
I'm a newbie here.  Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k?  My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge. 
Thanks,
Bob

[FullRangeMan]

With this hi budget there is plenty of options.

[Zuman]

You will, of course, get plenty of suggestions for the phono stages members actually own. That makes sense, though, because we bought them because we found them appealing...it's not just blind loyalty or a need to get others to "agree" with us.
With that caveat, I'm very pleased with my Modwright PH 9.0XT, at around $5k.
-The base PH 9.0 uses two 6C45 tubes and two 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes, and has a remote power supply connected by an umbilical.
-The upgraded PH 9.0X adds a pair of Lundahl gapped output transformers, removing a pair of chokes and coupling caps from the signal path.
-The PH 9.0XT changes the power supply to a tube-rectified PS.  I've noted a significant sound difference with different tubes, and I'm currently using a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B, which I find provides tube depth and fullness while retaining clarity, air, and transparency.
https://www.modwright.com/products/ph-9-0-ph-9-0x-ph-9-0xt-tube-phono-stage/
Good luck. It's really a good idea to find a dealer who'll let you try out components in your own system, as synergy is critically important.

[JakeJ]

Audio Research
Valve Amplification Company
Audio Note
Cary Audio
Manley
VTL

To name a few.  You might also consider this as an opportunity to upgrade to a full function preamp with the phono stage built in.

[toocool4]

Nagra VPS, simple design but very good phonostage.

[bcanady]

Thank you for the recommendations so far.  I agree it would be great if I can audition a few in my system. 

[bcanady]

Although I have not heard any ARC tube phono preamps yet, I've done the most research on ARC since so many Wilson owners seem to love ARC equipment.  If I can find an ARC Ref 3 or 2SE this might be where I begin.
Bob

[tull skull]

New Record Day just did a nice review of a Manley phono.

I have not heard it but I was extremely impressed with the design of the MOFI Phono pre. I can't remember who they hired for the design but it looks to be very well thought out. If I were searching at this time they would be on my list. Though I still like it very much. my phono is about 15 years old so I can't really offer a personal suggestion. (Mine is no longer in production)

[lokie]

If it were me, I would be looking at used ASL and Aesthetix.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650106749-aesthetix-calypso-eclipse-edition/

[theflattire]

I have a Modwright PH9.0XT.
The PH150 reference is right around your budget.
I would also look at Allnic and Zesto.

[Delta77]

As for me,
I own a Decware phono pre

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zp3

But, I would love to try one of Aric’s phono preamps.

https://aricaudio.com/super-mm-phono/

[nlitworld]

Hi Bob,
First off, welcome to the club. We promise to always be the voice of bad influence in directing you further down the rabbit hole of fun audio gear. 
For me, it was a Tubes4HiFi PH16 kit that won me over. It is the same basic model that Don Sachs used as a basis for his phono stage (but with upgrades). I replicated those upgrades as well, and will be doing a couple extra down the line. While way under your budget at ~$2K all in with the mods, it punches FAR above its price classification. Super detailed, very neutral but with a wonderful 3d rich sound that captures all the surroundings and emotion.

As for regular retail units, a Modwright would never be a bad call. There are tons of rave reviews and always seems to keep solid resale value if you're the type to catch & release your audio gear. Really in your budget, it'd be hard to find a bad sounding phono pre. 

[FullRangeMan]

Hi,
I'm a newbie here.  Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k?  My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge. 
Thanks,
Bob

In the Trading Circle there is a nice used Phono Stage MM only.
Great built quality a bargain at this price>
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=191621.msg2005081#new

[Audiosaurusrex]

For Me Modwright PH9.0XT all day. American Made, Outstanding Build, Exceptional Customer Service and an outstanding Phono-Pre, Dynamic, Transparent and Gorgeous Sounding.   

[theflattire]

fyi
used Modwright PH9.0XT on USAM right now

[shakey]

Hi,
I'm a newbie here.  Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k?  My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge. 
Thanks,
Bob

I was considering a tube phono stage in the same price range for my Lyra Kleos. I have been using the Kleos for the past 5 years. Instead I went with a Soundsmith Sussurro MKII Gold with a Soundsmith MCP2 Mk2 phono stage. Now, I was able to buy a demo cartridge with under 20 hours for a very good price. I also bought an Sbooster power supply and replaced the cheap wall wart that came with the MCP2. My total cost was probably around $6k. I'm so glad I went this route. The Kleos is a great cartridge but the Sussurro is in another league.

[PierreB]

For Me Modwright PH9.0XT all day. American Made, Outstanding Build, Exceptional Customer Service and an outstanding Phono-Pre, Dynamic, Transparent and Gorgeous Sounding.   

Exactly what I think. I have the PH 9.0 and I love it.