That said, I am currently very satisfied with the Allnic H1201. I do not feel like I am "suffering" at all. LOL!
It reminds me quite a bit of the Klyne in that it has a natural sound to it. Bass is not boomy, but very solid for a tube amp. Good HF extension, and a nice midband and stage. I like the flexibility of the transformers too, even though I can't actually adjust the impedance loading.
That said, all I have really been able to compare it to directly is internal phono stages. The Allnic is the first external phono stage I have owned since I sold the Klyne, a span of about 4 years with only internal phono stages.
The H1201 beats the internal MM phono stage of my VAC 160iSE integrated amp pretty easily, even when coupled with a Bob's Devices Cinemag 1131.
I'm currently using a VPI Prime with 3D arm and a Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge.
I would like to compare the H1201 to a Herron phono stage one day, as they get a lot of buzz for a good budget phono stage too. I don't see that coming anytime soon though.
Did you ever talk with Stan Klyne? He's a pretty cool guy. I talked to him once, and he really doesn't seem to get caught up in the HiFi craze at all. He's very happy flying under the radar.
I can't say that I've ever spoken with Kang Su Park of Allnic.