In that same price range you should also consider the Allnic H-1202 and Modwright PH9.0. Depending on which of these you compare to the Herron (for instance), you may find some use and design features more suited to you - like use of Lundahl SUTs instead of a FET-based MC gain stage, or front-panel, on-the-fly gain and loading controls, a mono switch, or transformer-coupled balanced outputs. In terms of sound, well you just need to listen to see what suits your ears. The competition is fierce at this price point and there are a lot of really nice stages to choose from $3K-$4K.
Of the ones you’ve listed, I use the Herron in one of my systems. I can say this - it sounds far better using the MM inputs connected to a decent SUT if using a LOMC cart than using the internal FET-based MC gain stage. And I wish it had a mono switch and front panel controls. But yes it sounds very good, especially paired with a SUT - although I’d describe the sound as very neutral and clear not unlike a SS phono stage...plus it adds the slightest bit of midrange emphasis to my ears - so not ruler flat. So if you’re looking for a phono stage that delivers classic tubey sonics I wouldn’t say you’ll necessarily get that from the Herron.
Of the ones you’ve listed, I use the Herron in one of my systems. I can say this - it sounds far better using the MM inputs connected to a decent SUT if using a LOMC cart than using the internal FET-based MC gain stage. And I wish it had a mono switch and front panel controls. But yes it sounds very good, especially paired with a SUT - although I’d describe the sound as very neutral and clear not unlike a SS phono stage...plus it adds the slightest bit of midrange emphasis to my ears - so not ruler flat. So if you’re looking for a phono stage that delivers classic tubey sonics I wouldn’t say you’ll necessarily get that from the Herron.