Sleeper older preamp with great phono.....

My favorite in this category is the Nakamichi CA-5. The build and parts quality inside these units is far above the competition. You don't mention price but for the money used, the sonics are excellent. I have owned quite a few vintage preamps (two CA-5s) from different manufacturers. It's a habit of mine to remove the cover for a peak inside and the CA-5 is extremely impressive.

Designed and built back when Stan and Paul were together at PS Audio, their designs are noted for exceptional phono sections. This model has variable cartridge loading and gain so dialing in the settings for your MM or MC cartridge is easy. The variable gain feature allows you to set just enough gain for your needs and thus keeps the noise to a minimum. Also has straight-wire mode past the input selector to turn it into a line-level passive preamp. PS Audio pioneered the use of massive, oversized power supplies to provide unlimited current for excellent transients and tight base.

I always liked the Superphon Revelation Basic (the dual volume knob unit) - killer phono section.

-Richard

The Audible Illusions Modulus (the 2 and 3 series in particular) is a great
performer for the $ but the the company has/had a service reputation that
may be the worst in the industry.

Good Luck,

Marty