Hi everybody, I was interested to see the thread about balanced phono stages, because it is relevant to what I am currently considering. But I'd appreciate getting some more general advice and opinions. I have an LP12/Ekos/Lingo, currently with a Klyde that needs replacing. I am considering cartridges like the Dynavector XX2 mk2 and the Ortofon Kontrapunkt C. I'm using a Linto phono stage. I guess my requirements are: 1. Worthwhile improvement over the Linto. 2. Suitable for use with cartridges such as the XX2 mk2. 3. Balanced outputs (to connect to my ATC SCA2 pre-amp). Options I am wondering about include the Whest PS.30R (which is pretty much the most I would want to spend) and the Origin Live Ultra, but I would be pleased to spend less (the PS Audio GCPH, perhaps?). I will obviously be trying to arrange some demos, once I have decided on a replacement for the Klyde, but would be most grateful for advice from any of you who have experience of suitable phono stages; although arranging home demos should be possible, there is a limit to how many I will realistically be able to do over the next month or two. (And if I don't find that anything significantly outperforms the Linto with my other kit, I'll be perfectly happy to stick with that ....) Many thanks in advance for any replies!