I have the Cary SLP-98L and find it to be very musical, especially with vinyl. The combination of the Cary preamp with the Cary PH-301 tube phono stage produces a very magical sound from the LPs spinning on my SOTA Nova. I couldn't believe it at first and it has been getting better as it all breaks in. I run these through a Cary V12i and I have NOS tubes all around, which if you're considering the SLP-98 would involve a good investment in RCA or Sylvania 6SN7s (I use 6SN7W in the linestage and 6SN7WGT in the buffer on the SLP-98). They are a major improvement over the stock Chinese tubes.
I have not heard the Herron but have heard great things about it. I would have given it serious thought but I got a great deal on a store demo SLP-98 and I couldn't refuse. As for the Supratek, I was very infatuated with the idea of getting one, but waiting for a new one or taking my chances on a used one dissuaded me. If pace is what you're after I think you would be happy with a Cary SLP-98 assuming it meshes witht he rest of your set-up.
I have not heard the Herron but have heard great things about it. I would have given it serious thought but I got a great deal on a store demo SLP-98 and I couldn't refuse. As for the Supratek, I was very infatuated with the idea of getting one, but waiting for a new one or taking my chances on a used one dissuaded me. If pace is what you're after I think you would be happy with a Cary SLP-98 assuming it meshes witht he rest of your set-up.