So I'm still searching for the right amp...

I should mention that I need a good phono stage, at least until I can pull the trigger on a separate phono amp.

Okay now you got me curious to ask: what exactly do you think is the difference between a phono stage and a phono amp?

The Simaudio and the Ruby are both very good modern designs, the other Marantz a bit older.  It comes down to a matter of taste. The Ruby might be a little more forgiving/relaxed/warm/liquid, insert your adjective of choice.

As a Marantz KI Ruby owner (both amp & sacd player), I concur with twoleftears comments.

It's a fine amp, the phono stage is quite good, and I don't feel I'm leaving much on the table sonically. It would take a serious bump in $$ to get much better.

Hope this helps, good luck on the journey.

What kind of speakers do you have and in what way were the amps you demoed unsatisfactory? 

+1 @cal3713 — It’d be most helpful to know what you thought of the Sphinx and Elex and what characteristics are most important to you in terms of sound reproduction along with associated equipment and room description. 

My apologies for such a delayed reply.  For some reason I'm not getting notifications when someone posts.  So for anyone still interested, 2 months later, here you go......

Thank you to all for your input. 

@cal3713 I have PSB Stratus Silvers (early/mid 90's).  The amps I previously auctioned lacked soundstage and some definition with these speakers.

@soix probably too late, but.... The build quality of the Sphinx was a little surprising, not really bad, but just felt a bit lacking.  It sounded good, but didn't really sound good.  The Elex was ok, but lacked that soundstage I was looking for.

In the end I chose the Simaudio MOON 240i.  I was able to audition it and the PS14 at home.  It really impressed.  My speakers (PSB Stratus Silvers) never sounded so good.  The soundstage is well defined.  I can picture the musicians in front of me.  Vocals sound "live".  It's made in Canada - everything made in the same production facility.  Their quality is very apparent.  You can get more power with the 340, but it's big price step up (double).  OR, if you want a built in streaming solution the MOON ACE is a 240i with Simaudio's MiND2 streaming module built in.  Bottom line: the 240i clearly outperformed everything else I listened to and was a perfect match for my system.

two left ears is spot on!  You will get more detail with your SimAudio Moon.  Nicely done!