Don't listen to those guys. The VD phono pre is an item most who know (including me) would kill for if not die for; sound unheard ;-) The only reason I don't have one is because as you indicated, they are rarer than hens' teeth!
There are plenty of interesting stories/lore on Google, but what do you care -- you have one!!
There are plenty of interesting stories/lore on Google, but what do you care -- you have one!!