Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ -OR- Moon 110lp v2 -OR- Parasound ZPhono XRM Phono

You changed the anti-skating setting (for the better) after you were running the  MSP II.

DeKay 

you are right.

But I stopped listening to it and switched back to MF because I didn't get the settings right, for a couple days on the MSP.

Lots of incompetence on my part

OK, got it.

The MSP II reads to be more upfront/exciting.

DeKay

it is more accurate too. There are sounds that are simply not "read" by the MF. High frequencies mostly.

After my 2 months long testing 4 subwoofers and 1 phono stage, and my limited budget, I need to decide which one I need more. Given that I never really enjoyed any of the subs, maybe should test other phono stages. This one seems a bit harsh.

Try Sutherland KC Vibe MkII. Quiet, smooth and natural sounding. No harshness there at all.