Which Tube Phono Stage around $1k?


I'm looking for a phono stage to mate with my Linn LP12/Ittok arm and a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge. The line stage is a VTL 6.5. In the under $1k range, the Underwood Level 1 mod of the Jolida JD9a looks promising at $800. Totally stretching my budget would be a used or demo Audio Research PH5, but maybe someone can convince me that it's worth the stretch. A similar stretch might be a used Cary 302. Any comment on these or others I should consider? I'm pretty much dead set on tubes. I'll have to hear a really convincing endorsement to consider anything solid state! Thanks
pscialli
I haven't heard the 834, only the 324, so cant compare the ones you are considering. But EAR stuff is awesome. I really like the WPP 200 as well - good choices! You probably cant go wrong with either.
Would second the BAT P5 recommendation. If you saw any pics of the inside of this beast (it weighs 40lbs.) you would be amazed that it could even be sold for under $4k, let alone around $1k used...
I see what you mean Denf, the P5 is stuffed full of good stuff.

How quiet is the P5 when compared to the 834p? The 834p I had in my system was whisper quiet, maybe the step up transformers?

Anyone hear the Blue Circle phono stage, the BC27pi?
Hagtech (Jim right?), if things work out I'll be auditioning your Trumpet phono stage in my system next week. I am anxiously counting the days!