Looking for a great phono pre-amp in the $1000 or less range


I’ve a vintage Kenwood KD-500 DD turntable (concrete base), and grace tonearm.  Currently running a grado gold MM cartridge running through the built-in phono preamp section of my NAD C658 preamp, into an Anthem MCA 225 mk 2 amp and Martin Logan Classic 9 electrostatic speakers.  Streaming Tidal can give me some stunning results but my music through the turntable is far less compelling.  Hence the desire to try upgrading my phono preamp section (and eventually move to a MC).  After substantial digging I’ve got a few higher level candidates, there are obviously many out there. 
the two front runners I’m considering are:

the Back Ice Audio F9 mk and the gold note PH5.  The black ice is intriguing but not nearly as well known or reviewed as the gold note. 
others I’ve considered:

sutherland KC Vibe mk2

moon audio 110 LP V2

parasound zphono XRM

feedback from the community appreciated!

128x128tmortsd

Have you considered the Rega Aria mk3? It has both mc and mm options for 1600. When comparing different phono pre amps in the past, somehow I always went back to this one because to me it sounded the most natural, along with a good cartridge of course.

Rogue Triton 2 is really nice. Haven’t heard a lot of phono pres but it is worlds better than the ones that has been in integrated amps I’ve had or the cheap Emotiva one I had. Well reviewed and AudioMart has one NIB for 1050 obo. 

Return Option!

Of everything in the chain, I think Phono Stages are the most difficult to find one you love. You simply cannot rely on specs; reviews; advice; other than to make a hopeful choice and put it in your system.

I recommend you only buy from a source that allows return/refund, so you can either get lucky with 1st choice, or finally fall in love with the ... 5th one.

To complicate matters further, a unit might not sound great, until you find a cable that brings it to life as happened to my friend recently.

 

+1 Sutherland

My friend has one and thinks it’s great! BTW, Many moons ago I had that same arm and table and it was a cut above many others that I've owned!