On the fence about Vinyl need a good phono stage for A/B testing

I have an Odyssey Audio Suspiro that I would put head-to-head with the Parasound JC3 (at least as far as sound goes, the JC3+'s variable loading is more convenient and offers a few more options for cartridge loading).  The Suspiro matches well enough to most cartridges that it is an absolute bargain considering the cost (around $1250).  I am currently running it with a Hana SL - highly recommended!

The DSP will suck some life out of your vinyl; I would try it with and without.  For me, I am willing to put up with some less than perfect resonances for the sparkling purity of a well reproduced analog signal.  There is a certain emotional thrill and sense of involvement that I get listening to records that just doesn't happen with digital sources (despite the fact that they almost assuredly measure better)).

That said, I have ploughed through a number of phono preamps over the years.  Some of the best were built in to the 60's and 70's era electronics.  If the piece of equipment has a pre-out, they are fun to audition.

Almost any modern phono-pre is going to sound pretty good.  You will get a lot more variety and "bang-for-your-buck" entertainment value messing around with different cartridges.  Before I would haul off and invest a ton of money on a phono pre, I would at least try out some different MM cartridges (Grado, AT, Rega - the Exact would be a good fit).

Moving into MC territory, it is more important to match the phono pre to the cartridge.  Your selection of a phono-pre will be more critical, especially if you are moving up the price chain.

For under $1000 MM cartridges, I would recommend the Schiit Mani, although just about any would do.  At this price point, the subtle refinements of an expensive phono pre will be barely discernible.