Phono Stage for passive preamp control

I use a Benz PP-1 and a Passive preamp with no problems, unless you want rock concert levels.

Might not the output impedance (generally high) of a tube phono preamp make trouble for a passive preamp? I know that Gordon Rankin of Wavelength strongly recommends an active preamp for use with his Tangent phono preamp, output impedance 1500 ohms. Caution on that score would be wise, I think. Anyway, others have given you a lot of good advice.

I'm not sure about units priced over 1K, but I purchased an Ear 834P and I'm very happy with it. It has close to 70dB of gain, and since it is a tube unit, it is very tweakable. There are many tweaking suggestions on this site and others. Some are as simple as replacing the stock tubes; others more involved. Most of the more expensive tubed units had 60dB gain. Most of the SS units, had more gain. I think the Michell/Trichord Delphini has over 70dB of gain. However, 70dB may not be enough for a cartridge with an output below .4mv with a passive preamp.

You should be able to get a used Aesthetix IO (the basic model) for around $2500. Tons of gain using tubes and sounds great. Designed to drive an amp directly with optional built in stepped attenuators but this will set you back a few thousand more. I use mine with a Placette passive pre and it works very nicely.

I previously had a Pass Aleph Ono that will be closer to $1200 or so and is a fine sounding unit, but not quite as good as the IO.

Maybe you're referring to the Rhea. (?) The IO's I have seen have been about $4K+ used.

I have decided to go with a Bent Audio 102 passive preamp which is seemingly less finicky with respect to impedance matching than perhaps some other units. I am now deciding whether a tube or SS phono stage will best meet my needs. Thanks for everyone's input thus far.