best phono stage under 10k

@car123 
Is it enough gain in the mm input?  Your Benz is quite low input. If it is, it would maybe make sense since your bypassing the first stage. If I am remembering correctly,  there’s step up’s at the input.

If I am remembering correctly,  there’s step up’s at the input.

The Steelhead employs a solid state input section for the phono section so no transformers.

@atmasphere 
i got this off a Stereophile review:

In MC mode, the switch controls a "variable-load auto tranny" (more Manley lingo), which is the Steel-head transformer/autoformer that gives the preamp its name. The switch controls five taps on the proprietary "dual-primary, bifilar wound, high-bandwidth, low-resistance, and multiple-shielded nickel-core step-up autoformer," which allows you to choose among 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ohm settings.

That's news to me! Now I'm wondering if there is more than one version.

I've been using an all tube unit for over 3 years now hand built in Cyprus from NVO. It has selectable MM or MC inputs and built with Kiwame carbon resistors among other top grade parts. 
https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/nvo-new-valve-order
NVO also makes a 22 tubed unit but not sure its price point.
Also like the GN PH10 for ss.