OP - I recently upgraded my phono amplifier from a 25+ old modest design to a Luxman E-250. Besides a much more musically satisfying sound, the Luxman's greater dynamic headroom tends to minimize surface noise compared to what I had before. I expected excellent music but the surface noise reduction is an unexpected benefit from a design with a much more robust power supply.
I don't know what phono amp. you have but an upgrade there could get you a lot of what you want without sonic compromise.
I don't know what phono amp. you have but an upgrade there could get you a lot of what you want without sonic compromise.