I need help regarding tube phono preamplifiers

We here have heard that Herron and DecWare are way better.

I have a Herron, i don’t agree with the above “ we “ opinion. Any of the 3 phono preamps you are considering can best in certain areas the excellent all around performance and neutrality of the ( unfortunately ) out of production Herron. The Aesthetix has no FET front end and is a tube rollers delight. Jim White also offers an extensive upgrade path without throwing away the chassis, etc… 

This passion and hobby, especially the analog front end is full of nuance…

Enjoy the music.

Jim

Having heard and owning Rhea Signature, I completely agree with Jim. I have to warn you that Rhea is very very sensitive to tube quality (noise and microphony). 

the CS Port C3EQM2 is outstanding in that price range. battery powered, and superb with an SUT. it’s got three inputs, two of them MM for SUT’s. i run 2 SUT’s with mine.

https://www.csport.audio/products/products-c3eqm2-en.html

i’ve owned this phono stage for 3 years and it’s a giant killer. the USA importer is on Long Island, NY. 

I prefer phonostages with balanced output - typically has a lower noise floor. The Aesthetix seems to have the highest gain of 75 dB which gives you flexibility to try a wider range of low output mc cartridges.