Phono preamp for new Klimax LP12

@ Sorry… the Linn Klimax LP12 comes with a phono stage, not the DSM. You can get them sans the Phonostage. It does in fact convert the signal to digital and back… I scratched my head. My audio guy would says it sounds quite good__ but of coarse my ARC is better.

As far as moving from VPI. I had my VPI for decades. It was a phenomenal table.. but as my audio guy describes them, they sound like Muscle Cars, I really wanted a Porsche. So a lot of research moved me towards a sprung table, and the new LP12 sound. With its small footprint, simple use (no spinal clamp or other nonsense), history drew me to it. Also, no fiddling… my audio guy is a master trained Linn technician… I don’t fiddle with my stuff… he brings it over. If anything ever goes wrong (like needing a new cartridge), he will come over, pick it up and upgrade it and drop it back off.

I doubt either the HD40 or LP12 would be a mistake.

Very good choice with LP12.
I would also see a fully restored EMT930 for that price. It comes with inbuilt tube phono stage too.

Vs the Luxman EQ500, also check out Avid Pulsare II. A more straightforward design which compliments the Linn sound. Luxman gets into the exotic audiophile kind of sound imo. 

I'm running an EQ 500 into a Luxman C900u and it is a wonderful combination. The stock tubes are okay, however, NOS Amperex bring it to another level! Also using a Kiseki PH NS cartridge.