Phono Stage with XLR outs

OP

You might also consider Darlington Lab's MP7B or MP8B, < $1K. They come with RCA jacks but can be wired to XLR with internal jumper setting. I heard their previous model, very natural presentation - organic while being expressive - to a point that if it were to resolve just a bit better with more depth separation, it could have replaced the Pass XONO (recapped) used as reference at that time. The current model should be an improvement, but I don't have chance to hear it just yet.

BTW Skoll is super quiet, even quieter than XONO when used with Linn Akiva ( same voltage level as your Hana ML).

Found a deal on Whest Two.2 and decided to give it a shot. 
I thought about a Softone Model 4 and am still tempted to try it but I decided to put a pause on it for now. There are two major factors - 1) it’s RCA only (compromised sound quality using adapters), and 2) the load for MC is preset for either 0.5mv at 40ohms or for 0.2mv at 10ohm. My cartridge, Hana ML, is 0.4mv and calls for >100ohm load. Not ideal but it could have worked. Shelving this idea for now. 
I really wanted to try a tube phono stage but getting one with XLR outs in my price range to be close to the level of the rest of my components isn’t realistic. 

@audphile1 

Looking forward to hearing your impressions with Whest in your system. Given your system, you will likely move up from Hana ML to Blue or Red.

I went from Hana ML + Thorens TD124 to Red + SME 15AV and Etsuro Bordeaux + Garrard 301 (heavily modified).  Enjoy the analog journey and have fun collecting more records 😊

Thanks @lalitk 

I’m still getting the Clearaudio Concept table that I bought used to its best operational state. I addressed most issues. Ordering a new belt. 

By the way for those who need a temporary solution for a stretched TT belt that causes speed issues - boil it in water for 2 minutes. No need to season it unless you plan on eating it. 
Boiling water shrinks the belt just enough to get it up to speed again. It’s a bandaid type fix that holds you over until the new belt arrives. And man $40 plus ship/tax for a new belt is insane.

Anyways…I have a McIntosh MP100 now on loan from a friend. Impressive phono stage!
Whest Two.2 is coming tomorrow. I’ll be able to compare McIntosh and Whest. Should be interesting. 

If you don't care for it and still want to try tubes, revisit the BAT VK-P5.

It checks all your boxes, and is pretty high end. BAT does not make cheap stuff.