Stand out phono stages

Lewm,
The Klyne was excellent back then but now has easily surpassed by the much cheaper Einstein. The ASR has a barely acceptable above the average performance, equal of the best of the TEADs also they doesn't worth the asking price.
The Krell KPE+PSU is simply unlistenable.
Most of the tube units that I've heard have some problems with detail perhaps the printed circuit boards gives some parasitic capacitance so, I would suggest a point to point wiring inside. Keep in mind that tube rolling is a must for tuning about body & weight so, maybe to focus for max detail in the stock tubed units.

Vintage PS Audio PSIII

i have one and it's pretty fantastic. from about 1979 or so. actually never had any of the more modern or expensive Phono Pre's...
if they are half as good as this i'd be surprised. i watch for these and there have been several on eBay lately. i actually lost (or partially lost) an auction for one along with the matching Linear Control Center Pre Amp last year...

I must say I am really digging my Audio Note Kits phono pre decked out with all the options. Same circuit as the M3, I believe. It's everything you'd want in a tube phono pre. And only about $1200 new.

Building your own stuff is a great way to get off the gear-trading merry-go, since you don't want to sell it, generally. Upgrade it, maybe.

Precision Fidelity C7/A Revised: Passive line stage with phono. This instrument pretty much stays out of the way.

The Threshold Fet 10 PC gets my vote. This is one outstanding Phono Pre.