Considering the price of new top quality tube preamps $1250 does not seem that high. Most commonly used tubes are available readily, did CJ use an exotic one in this design? They usually use mainline ones. The SUT question is hard to answer, many like to use them even if they have enough gain without them. Why not contact CJ and see what they say.
Will I need A moving coil set up device?
I am considering buying A Conrad johnson premier 3 preamp. Stereophile reviewed it using A moving coil device saying,(the premier three used with the HV-la has just enough gain so that you can use it with any moving coil cartage with A minimum of 2mv output.) I have A benz micro MC with 4mv output. I am also concerned with the asking price of $1250. and the availability of tubes.