Used phono preamp options - feedback requested


Greetings, all.

Here's my rig:

Thorens TD124 Mk 1 w/Mk II upgrades
Lyra Delos or Paradox Pulse D103R
Handmade Walnut Arm on unipivot bearing
Paradox Pulse Phono 70 preamp (MM/MC)

I'm in the market to find a phono stage up to about $2K to compare and contrast with the Paradox Pulse.

Open to suggestions however, considering these specific phono stages (all used):

Clearaudio Balance Plus
Sutherland 20/20
EAR Phonobox
Sonic Frontiers Phase 1 SE
Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL
Musical Fidelity NuVista
and possibly a Herron VTPH-1 (I can't get the guy to contact me back).

and.new:

Decware ZP3 and ZMC SUT

I'm interested in tubes primarily, but can be swayed to try another solid state stage w/good (and easy) loading capabilities.  

Please don't bash - I'm looking for real experience with any/all of these, or something in the vein.  I have my priorities in the list, but am truly looking for quality input from the group.

Thanks in advance.
128x128dducat
Sutherland 20/20 with the upgraded stand alone LPS. No BS. Shortest path. Dead quiet, and what someone posted above - optimized midrange king. But not tubes.
Thank you, all for your fast input.  Lots to think about, for sure.  

I would have pulled the trigger on the Decware, but the lead time is 20 weeks!  I'm a patient guy, but not that patient. Hence, my broader search. 

I also added a ARC PH7 to the list to make it even more complex. 

That's why it's a fun hobby!
+1 for the PS Audio Stellar Phono (Darren Myers Creation)
Trade in your current phono stage and it comes in under your limit, new!

I run the stellar, it’s fantastic, no tubes though
Just named Stereophile analog product of the year!

Best,
-JP
You may also want to check out Tavish phono preamps. They’re tube based. I own one and really dig it. The co. is run by Scott Reynolds, who has a PhD in EE and his son.