As somebody who has experienced a selection of Phonostages in Valve Input/Output - Valve Hybrid and SS. Where MC Inputs and SUT > MM Input are experienced.

I am somebody who has been quite prudent with how they achieved their audio devices over the past 30 years, has to suggest that a budget allocated for a Phonostage is best if only thought of as guidance. If a Phonostage, through demonstration, is creating a substantial impression and is an experience wanted to be maintained, if this requires extending the budget, aspiring to the Phon' is the worthwhile purchase to be made.

Remember, all New Phon's become older model Phon's with a discounted price and older model Phon's are likely to be seen as a used item sale prior to discounts being seen for the model. 

If the 'must have now' is the intention, then only good negotiation is the way to create a closed won purchase at the price that is able to be the best achieved. 

Allnic makes 5  phono pres. They do not all have 4 inputs and the number of in puts has a small percentage of the cost. Plus every as you refer to ‘end game’ phono amp has multiple inputs, most at least a single and balanced output but not all. Get the Allnic H6500 and you will probably be very happy. Then again what I haven't read is the rest of your system? If you're using a $1500 cartridge on a $25-20,000 phono amp then you are drastically misaligned. When you get into amodwright 150 you're at $10,000.

OP here, for those of you who missed it I purchased a: 

VTL TP-6.5 Series II

I'm fairly certain this was a great choice. Carts for those that missed it: VDH Colibri Strad XGW, AT ART1000x, ZYX UNIverse III, AT ART20

Loving my Luxman EQ 500. Super easy to tube roll

and adjust for cartridge. Allows for up to 3 turntables with a still relatively compact design. 

I’ve reached my end game phono preamp. It’s the EAR 88PB and using the EAR MC4 step up transformer along with it. I’m done searching.