How Do I Choose A Phono Preamp

But over time, I realized that to make all music sound better on my system I needed to improve it objectively. For twenty years I worked diligently to “learn” what real music sounds like at every opportunity…

That is a longer timeframe than many would abide.
Clearly the noise part (which I did not quote) is easy to work out with measurements alone.

I thought best to report back with what I bought. I pretty much settled on the Modwright PH9.0x, but prior to purchasing I called my Music Direct salesperson that has been very helpful with other purchases.

…

Sutherland was on my short list. (But I was looking more at their lil Loco.)

That advice you got sounds good, but maybe you can follow up once you back from the chiropractor in a few weeks?

@holmz 

The Dude Abides.

Great choice in the MW PH9

Great choice in the MW PH9

I didn't get the PH9x due to the high price.  The RELs, Sutherland preamp, power cords and interconnects were already pushing 10K and I didn't want to spend any more to upgrade subs, or the phono preamp.  It was a compromise.  Should the 20/20 Mk2 be a minimal improvement to my integrated phono section, then I'll revisit the Modwright.