How Do I Choose A Phono Preamp

Under $5000.

If you like a neutral phono stage the new EAR Phonobox is very quiet and neutral. If you prefer a warmer sound at a later stage you can get some Mullard tubes. 

Gain 70-74db, is that too much? You can check Whest Audio Two.2 and Three Signature, Parasound JC3+, Gold Note PH-10, all with balanced outputs.

I had the Hana ML and now the Umami Red. I upgraded from an SPL Phonos to the Modwright PH9.0X and it is stunningly good as is but add some NOS tubes for a real treat.

I am surprised at different peoples criteria. Mine has been:

1: Sound Quality

2: Cost

So, for many many years I had wished my current Phono Stage had a second input. I owned ARC for decades from PH2, PH2SE, PH3… PH8… Ref 3. Finally Audio Research added a second input… the REF. I think I hooked up my old AR turntable for a couple days and unplugged it. Why did I want to plug in a second grossly inferior table? 
 

At least for me, it is about sound quality. That is it.