I've been very happy w/my Luxman CL38U SE for the last 4 years. The phono uses 3 12AX7 tubes and has 4 step up transformers. 2 for MC high and 2 for MC low. Currently I'm using a Dyanavector Karat 17DX as my cart w/excellent results.
Best preamp with built in phono stage?
I have and love my Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with its excellent built in phono stage. A two box tube unit. I don’t have rack space for a separate phono stage and don’t want another IC. Not to mention the cost of a high end line stage and high end phono stage. The MP-1 was specifically designed to play vinyl. 8 of its 18 tubes are dedicated to the phono. In many ways, it seems to not have competition. Surely, very pricy line stage and phono stage can surpass it but I don’t know another high end pre with built in phono that compares.