Preamp with quality MC phono section

Bob, One of the best in the market today are the McIntosh C2300, C500, and C1000, all have built in MM and MC phono stage.

If you don't need a lot of control flexibility, the Aesthetix Io phono amp has sufficient gain (and a volume control) to allow direct connection to your power amp. Worth checking out if you can find one to audition.

Marty

The Manley Steelhead is worth looking into. In addition to being a phono preamp it has a volume control and an input that will allow you to use an additional source (for example, if you also listen to digital). Me personally, I own an Atma-Sphere amp and am going in the direction of the MP-3 for many of the same reasons stated by Nsgarch. Mine is going to be slightly customized with a tape equalization circuit so I can run a signal from the tape head of my Otari through the preamp as well.

Of those on your list I am familiar with VAC having once owned the Avatar SE. While I found the phono section to be exceptional, I would have to assume the newer VAC designs would take it up a few notches. I bought my first tube system from Vu at Deja Vu Audio back in 1996 and even back then he was building amps and preamps for customers on a limited basis that were quite exceptional. They had a bit of a cult following then and apparently still do. Don't sell yourself short on what you already have. It may not have the bling but it can certainly sing with the rest on your list.

Clio09,

You are proably right about the Deja Vu preamp. Both the phono section and line stage are exceptional and my system does sound incredible. But you know that us audiophiles are always looking for the next upgrade even though it is sometimes is a backward step.

I think your starting list is a very good one, and you've gotten some thoughtful input (no pun) from others as well. Much is going to depend on synergy with the rest of your system. I was trying to get the VAC Sig IIa for a listen in my system recently, and I know the version with the phono stage is highly regarded. Ditto on the Doshi.
I ran a Steelhead for a number of years, using NOS tubes, but found that it sounded best with an additional line stage in the system, not 'straight in.' It seemed to gain more weight and palpability with the additional component (at the time, a Lamm L2, which is, ironically a solid state audio path but tube driven power supply).
I may be wrong here, but it seems like most Shindo preamp owners also opt for standalone SUTs to optimize their set-up, so that may add an additional expense.
Obviously, if you can a chance to beg, borrow or 'steal' (proverbially speaking) these to try first, you are better off in the long run. Not easy, though.
Given the price point you are considering, you should be able to get great sonics. But, having just gone through a few months of experimentation with different line stages and phono stages (as separates), you will be surprised- I was- by the profound difference in your system these changes can make, even among otherwise highly regarded units. Thus, my emphasis on home trial if at all possible.