Allnic 1201 and Herron VTPH-2

I'm debating between these exact two right now. I like in particular that the Allnic provides for gain variability, this really seems like a great feature. I don't really know whether I'd prefer 64db or 69db (with respect to the Herron)...maybe I'd want one when listening to Zeppelin and another for Sinatra...
On the other hand, the Allnic Signal to Noise ratio is 68db, and the Herron is a full 20db higher at 88db. I am new to the game, relatively, so I can't speak from personal experience, but this seems like a huge difference. Does anyone with the Allnic find it noisy? Really not quite sure which to choose. Maybe I'll take Keith up on the offer to test it out before buying. Something tells me I wouldn't send it back if I do, though right now I'm leaning towards the Allnic. This is to pair up with a Holborne at .4mv output, and one day to a London Decca Super Gold at 5mv output.
Right now working with a Rega MK3!

Gmercer, the 64 db version of the Herron is what most people buy, and would be fine with a 0.4 mv or even somewhat lower output cartridge.  And of course its moving magnet input would be fine with a 5 mv cartridge.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al

Thanks Al. I've been reading everything there is on the forum about the Herron, which is quite a damn lot. Lol... And for all the praise, your thoughts on low end roll off was the last thing I wanted to hear, as a full fledged bass junkie. I have an email out to CJ right now to inquire about the input impedance of their preamps, since they don't list online. But I then found in another more recent thread that it doesn't seem to be the case, so that's quite a relief, and just about enough to seal the deal. I wonder if there has ever been such consensus around a hifi product.

I've had the allnic 1201, allnic h3000, and herron vtph-2.  In my system, I easily preferred the herron over the allnic 1201, but the allnic h3000 was my favorite.  In my opinion, the herron is more comparable to the allnic h3000 than the 1201.

^That's great to hear. I'm sold.