How do I choose a phono preamp?

@patrickalston 

I recommend you choose a cartridge that is audibly compatible with your speakers. Some cartridges are very analytical, others are romantically lush, and many are in between.  If you can visit someone who has the CLS speakers (or something close) and hear different cartridges there, or take their recommendation on a good match, you'll be ahead of the game.  Then you'll want to choose a tonearm that is compatible with the cartridge you've chosen, based on parameters such as the (effective) mass of the tonearm and the cartridge and the compliance of the cartridge.  A good dealer could be most helpful unless you're willing to study up on these issues and get into the details of the components.

I would take with a grain of salt the recommendations of others for cartridges unless they're based on familiarity with the CLS speakers and your sonic preferences.

It makes sense for you to demo the VK-P90

I may get in trouble for mentioning this here, but if you need a matched pair set of six 6C33Cs (3 matched pairs, in other words) NOS from the Ulyanov factory and sold to me by Victor Khomenko of BAT at least 20 years ago, I would advertise them on Audiogon, so they get a cut, and sell them to you. I bought them for my Atmasphere amplifiers but then changed the output tube type so never used the 6C33Cs.

Another vote for Gold Note PH-10. It's a very flexible phono unit with lots of options. PLUS it sounds fantastic.

Is not the PH1000 considered to be the big brother superior to the PH10?  With his budget, the OP might be able to afford it.