How do I choose a phono preamp?

@patrickalston ,

Have you received the BAT yet?

What are your thoughts?

@thecarpathian 

<sigh> Yes, I've received it; however, my system is down pending a cap upgrade to one of my amps.  Also, I'm in the middle of a preamp change.  My old BAT VK-52SE was having problems with its right channel.  So, I'm replacing it with a BAT Rex which, because it's a two chassis  design,  requires me to find a  place for it on my haphazard equipment stand (literally a bench and a 40-inch high table for the turntable).  I'm out of space.  

Sadly, no tunes for me until those issues get sorted. . .

I spend evenings transferring my old albums into new protective sleeves from Vinyl  Storage Solutions (a satisfying task) as I wait for Fedex to deliver new records only to have them stack up unopened in a corner next to my what remains of system.

So, to answer your question, I don't yet have a thought to share on the VK-P5.

Ah, unfortunately these things happen. My integrated is down .

If that's the worst life throws at us, we are blessed.

Agreed.  I count my blessings everyday.  Rest assured, though, I will share my thoughts when I get it back together.  

"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?"

You have to adjust the phono stage to the the specs of the cartridge. Inside your BAT should have the adjustments to do it. Quite simple when you see it.