Vintage Phono Stage? pros and cons

A Phono Stage is the most critical unit in the whole chain. With no other unit you can win or loose so much. When it is done right, it is not a question of age.
Working on top level 1990 is still top level today (Science is knowledge ---> RIAA, precision, temperature, parts... ).
We have now a lot more units available, but only very, very few are outstanding. Nothing changed. Like a famous European Designer (Mies van der Rohe) once said: "God is in the Detail"

I had the pleasure of using a vintage Accuphase C-240 preamp recently for a few weeks when it was loaned to me. The thing is a build like a tank and i found the build in phonostage to be very good. 2 inputs, switchable headamp circuit for LOMC , loading option up to 100kohm and low noise. The only downside is some slight weakness in PRAT/drive when compared to my other stages. Definitely some gems out there.

I found an old used Audio Electronic PH-1 phono at a garage sale for $5. I am currently using a PS Audio GCPH. I had to hook this little unit to my table for fun. All I can say is wow!!! I am now in the process of replacing the caps and some of the old wire. I plan to also do some tube rolling. This hobby can be a lot of fun. I will probably have less then $100 in this great little piece.

You do need to consider the amount of gain needed if you plan to use the lower output moving coils (I do not). I am very happy with my solid state CJ EF-1. Quiet as the grave, it's was $2000 a decade ago and is a set and forget unit. CJ is always there to repair it if necessary. They often sell for under $1000, in perfect condition.

I think the problem one will find with the "vintage" phono stages will depend in part upon which cartridge you're planning to run. If it's a low output MC, then you're going run into noise and inadequate gain problems. In the end, this will lead to the loss of dynamics, resolution and transparency.

That said, I do find newer phono sections as a whole much quieter than older phono stages.