Which Phono Pre?

I guess that shouldn't be a surprise.  

Thanks all for your thoughts.  Very much appreciated.  I don't have any dealers nearby, but will definitely be making the rounds once the shows start up again soon.

If you've got a low impedance cartridge like the Koetsu RSP, I'd opt for the LCR type phonostage like the Allnic 7000 HV.  I'm currently using an ARC Ref 2SE phonostage and although perfectly happy with the performance, my next phonostage will be the LCR type. More discussion here:  LCR phono stages we know about | Audiogon Discussion Forum

Can't do chakster, have not heard either one. Back in 1980 a friend did have a Threshold preamp that had a phono stage, a super wide band unit. It was difficult keeping it quiet (hiss) but it had an excellent phono stage for the day. I can not remember the model number. I never could remember names and numbers. Back then all preamps had phono stages. The idea of separate ones had just gotten to the market. Again, thank you Mark Levinson, the man who proved some people would spend ridiculous money on HiFi gear. The first stand alone phono stage was battery powered and I do think it was designed by John Curl. It cost something like $1200.00 which was steep for the day. Found it!   https://www.google.com/search?q=Mark+levinson+JC1&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwimlc-7qfvwAhUocjABHSnZ...

Threshols SL-10 and Pass Aleph ONO (and ONO Manual).
Goes for something in between of $1k - $2k today.