(I'm posting, therefore, this comment must be about the Herron Audio phono stages.)
I personally own and have heard NOTHING better at any price than the Herron VTPH-2. To my ears, it is not bettered by any phono stage, though I admit I have not heard the Allnic. Nor have I heard the latest ARC reference phono stage. Previous ARCs I've heard didn't beat the VTPH-2.
As a second choice, the Herron Audio VTPH-1. They are available on the used market at a steal based on their performance.
A call to Keith Herron might uncover a bargain. He sometimes takes VTPH-1s in trade. Getting a used VTPH-1 that has been refurbed and upgraded by Keith Herron is probably the best deal on the market today.
I personally own and have heard NOTHING better at any price than the Herron VTPH-2. To my ears, it is not bettered by any phono stage, though I admit I have not heard the Allnic. Nor have I heard the latest ARC reference phono stage. Previous ARCs I've heard didn't beat the VTPH-2.
As a second choice, the Herron Audio VTPH-1. They are available on the used market at a steal based on their performance.
A call to Keith Herron might uncover a bargain. He sometimes takes VTPH-1s in trade. Getting a used VTPH-1 that has been refurbed and upgraded by Keith Herron is probably the best deal on the market today.