Looking for a Phono pre around 1K

I myself purchased a Brown Audio Labs SP-2B preamplifer earlier this year.  I first read about Brown Audio Labs from Dick Olsher.  My model is a full function tube preamplifier with both a balance control as well as a mm phono preamplifier.  I am presently using it strictly as a phono preamp connected to an Audio Research LS27 tube preamplifier.  The sound is truly wonderfully sounding.  ure tube magic at a price of only $1184, which includes shipping.  

No mention of Jolida jd9. The modded jd9 may be the true giant killer under 1k. 

Haven't had the opportunity to hear it, but the Tavish is supposed to be
very good. I enjoyed the Heed Quasar very much. I generally veer to
tubes, but the Quasar was very convincing. If I were looking in your
$ range, the Tavish would be where I may start.

Out of the stages you mentioned I have experience with two of the Brands.

Sutherland - Insight Phono Preamplifier
Musical Surroundings - Nova II

I own the Musical Surroundings Nova Phonoema I (1200new/500 used). I also have heard and compared directly with the Sutherland PHD (3k new/used 1500).

Honestly the MS stood up pretty well to the more expensive Sutherland. The MS is much more neutral and balanced throughout. It had more of a tight snappy bass. 

Sutherland was warmer and had a more round bass that sounds a little slower. It did seem to bring voices slightly out of the mix more so than the MS. It might of had a tiny bit more detail.

I have also compared the MS to a 3k Ayre phono. Let me just say the MS phono is a lot of bang for the buck and is quiet as some of these phono stages double the price. It also has more loading options and can handle just about any cartridge. Further I don't think the battery adds that much performance for me or others (from the forums I have read).

It soundstaging, loading options and quietness is right up there with 3k units. I think you may get a little bit more detail and maybe a tonal balance you like more going with 3k units but it really didn't seem worth the price to me. Just my thoughts. 

Hear, hear schubert! I am not familiar with Van Alstine's "Vision", but in the 80's I had his redesigned Dynaco PAS, and it was better than my ARC SP-3!