Phono stage for my system?

I think I am talking about the older TWO, not the more Current model, but yes it may well be more.
When I get my new specially built Whest PS.30 RDT SE 2019 model in, I plan on doing a lot of a/b comparison work against my Whest Three Signature in order to really hear the differences in what it digs out.  A friend of mine may be buying the Three off of me, but if that doesn't happen, I'll be putting the Three up for sale as I don't really need two phono stages.  Although I am tempted to keep it as its so good.

@chakster  - you are right that everything is subjective and that I can't rely on other people.  I am not.  I am simply trying to narrow down the many choices that you note are available.  This forum has already helped in several ways.  It has provided feedback from people who use and presumably prefer Ayre Acoustics equipment, like most of what I own (pre-amp, CD player and DAC).  I value their impressions of the many phono stages they've owned or auditioned, since I have to assume they like the Ayre "house sound" as I do.

As someone who has not owned multiple phono stages, I have gotten some sense of the units that may be disappointing in the level of noise or detail compared to others.  That is useful in trying to narrow things down to say three options to audition.  With the number of decent audio dealers dwindling and with fewer still offering phono stages of any quality, I am likely going to have to purchase from an out-of-town dealer with a return policy, find a friend or acquaintance who will loan me his or her unit to try at home (I've already arranged that for the Ayre P-5xe), or take a risk on a pre-owned unit that is widely recommended (which I hesitate to do) or from a manufacturer with a "house sound" I like (e.g. the Linn Euphorik).

Finally, I've gotten confirmation that my cartridge is also likely part of the sound quality deficit I'm experiencing and I have found two reasonable options that I will try to audition in home before purchasing the phono stage, to see if one jumps out at me.

Your comments are true with respect to the purchase of any piece of audio equipment - pre-amp, amp, speakers, DAC, phono cartridge, etc.  There are too many choices to listen to them all.  And I may not like the same thing that others do.  But the whole point of anyone asking questions on this forum is to gain input that may help them to narrow the field as best they can.  That is a better option than just going to one or two local dealers who will try to sell you the lines they represent or relying solely on trade magazines that accept advertising from the manufacturers and who audition the products on equipment that bears no resemblance to what you own or like.     

@rauliruegas - You are right about having three pre-owned options.  The Linn Euphorik is available close to my budget.  I've found no pre-owned Ayre P-5xe's currently for sale.  Those that have sold recently were 50% or more over my budget.  But for the Ayre, I'd likely stretch.  Need to check on a pre-owned Whest.  Also, there is one new unit that has floated to the top of my list - the Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ suggested by @jacahn, who owns an Ayre pre-amp and amp.  I read some reviews, went to the manufacturer's site and checked with an out-of-town dealer I know who carries the unit and has a return policy.  It may be a good fit as it is adjustable and an upgraded power supply can be purchased at a later date.

Again, thx to all for your input. 

The Rega Fono Mini is an outstanding phono preamp, and would be a sonic upgrade for most receivers.  This includes many vintage receivers as well.  Full disclosure here.  We are a Rega dealer.  ;-)

@Sameyers1
Just for the record; I had a Gold Note PH10, I was not too happy with it so I brought in a Musical Surroundings Nova III with the external LPS power supply.  It was much better than the PH10 in low end bass detail and power, much better in upper end imaging and sound stage, but not as good in the all important mid range.  The mid range just sounded blah, flat to me; but that is me, maybe not you.

That is what prompted me to try out a Whest Three Signature as it was so well reviewed and suggested by people I know.  The Whest just blew the Nova III and the PH10 out of the water in my system.  It had better bass detail and dynamic power, far more detailed upper end and best of all, the smoothest mid range.

That's my take on it all.  Again, I think that you can find a Whest Two.2 for around $1K, I have seen them offered.   I'd skip the other offerings and just locate a solid used Whest, you will not regret doing that.