Phono preamp suggestions; can I improve upon my Aesthetix Rhea Sig ?

Xagwell, please report back once you get the upgraded Rhea back. I looked at that option but am a little hesitant as my Rhea is 16 years old and upgraded to Signature just a few years ago. 

"There is quite an improvement in SQ over my VPI Aries 2 and Grado Statement 2 cart."

That's a nice table you have there skinzy. Enjoy.

If you're still curious about other tube options, have you looked at the NVO?

It was the buzz in the forums awhile ago. Rarely see them listed.

Skinzy my Rhea Eclipse is scheduled to be returned on the 10th and I am sitting on the "edge of m,y seat."  Given the pandemic. parts, and staffing the turn around was 12 weeks instead of the usual 6.  Aesthetix has advised me that the complete break in is approximately 400 hours with 80% at around 250 hours.  Like you my Rhea is 16 years old as well.  They report the Signature upgrade doubles the standard Rhea and the eclipse doubles the signature in terms of resolution.  Out of the box they report improvement in sound-stage depth and extended bass although less controlled  but "really" improves in a short time.  I'll see how my sub reacts.  Anyway I'm keeping you updated as requested and let you know how it sounds.  FWIW I have a Basis 2800/Vector 4 Arm/Hana Umami Red and my "go to" is "Jackson, Johnson, Brown & Company issued by Pablo.

Xagwell,  Thank you!  Had no idea the turnaround was so long.  I've recently done a lot of system upgrades.  New Wireworld interconnects and PC's.  I've added a PS Audio Power Regenerator which has lowered the noise floor considerably.  Also upgraded my power amps to Classe Delta Monos which has improved dynamic range, soundstage, and tone.  Then I went to inputs.  Added Denafrips Terminator Plus and Gaia DDC.  That was huge!  Made my Vinyl the weakest link.  After my turntable and cart upgrade I'm now concluding its the equal or slightly better than my digital rig.  Still need more time listening.  My vinyl weakness at this point is noise floor.  Would be very curious to hear about that when your Rhea gets back. Again thanks for your comments.  

Skinzy I rec'd the Rhea Eclipse yesterday and only put 5 hours of listening on it so far.  I had taken a pic of the standard Rhea before the upgrade so I immediately noticed the significant changes in circuitry. The 2nd thing was the complete elimination of tube rush from both channels; dead silence  It was returned with JJ tubes where I had Teslovak E83CCS/Sovtek 6922.  Per Aesthetix the J's offer them the lowest harmonic distortion based on a per batch selection. An appreciable improvement in resolution was immediate as judged by a reduction of sibilance, and a smoothing (less lippy) of JJ Johnson's trombone solos.  In addition certain passages were presented/emphasized in manner different than before.  Mid bass definition improved based on an increased overlap between the Maggies and Vandersteen sub where there has always been a slight hole. Deep bass was solid but inconsistent in that it was more impactful/defined on some and not on others. Overall this seems to be consistent with the initial expectations Aesthetix delineated.  Once again they say it will get better "every day."   Again my comparisons are with a stock Rhea I've had for 15+ years.  FWIW their customer service gets 5 stars!