How do I choose a phono preamp?

@thecarpathian   I'm curious about your experience with the VK-P5.  As I mentioned, I purchased a VK-P5 w/Superpak--which won't be delivered until next week--and wonder how satisfied you are with it.  In my zeal to pull together my system's vinyl section, I may have moved too quickly with my phono preamp purchase.  I'm seeing VK-P80s being priced within reach (if I eat Top Ramen for a few days) and suspect that I should have been more thoughtful with my selection. 

I'd like to hear anyone else's thoughts/experiences with moving through up the BAT Phono Preamp ladder.  Can anyone shed light on how much improvement I should expect to realize with a VK-P80 or VK-P12SE?  

@patrickalston ,

Albeit being an older model with no superpak, I'm quite satisfied with the sound.

I'm running a vintage Denon DP-57l with it. I'd describe the sound as 'smooth'. Not laid back, but not in your face, either. I think with upgraded tubes, it would sound even better.

The BAT is well built, and quite robust and heavy for a phono pre. This thing weighs 35 pounds!

I'd imagine given your budget, whatever turntable you get along with a newer and more refined BAT, the sound ought to be sublime.

congrats on your TT selection, 

I don’t know anything, this popped up in a BAT Phono search.

https://ckaudio.sg/products/bat-vk-p5-tube-phono-preamplifier

https://search.brave.com/search?q=BAT+VK-P5&summary=1&conversation=70b82c2225b104a02fc153

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/trying-a-bat-vk-p5-with-a-step-up-transformer

I landed on on a VK-P5 w/Superpak option which adds a power supply and capacitor upgrade.  Based on @thecarpathian's experience with his P5, I live with it until I'm certain that I want to continue to enjoy vinyl.  It's supposed to be delivered on Tuesday, but I can't listen until my preamp comes out of the repair shop.  

What I need to understand the realationship between the phono stage and the cartridge.  Seems complex with talk about resistive and capacitance loading. Where does one go to learn about those topics?

@patrickalston ,

Have you received the BAT yet?

What are your thoughts?