Phono Preamps with "balls" ?

Powerful, dynamic, and ballsy sounding? Get a Decca/London pickup---they almost don't even need a phono pre-amp!

A blast from the past — the RTS 405. A broadcast unit from 1990, built to the highest standard. It reminds me of the Krell PAM7 I had 20 years ago, their last full-function pre with a phono stage. All balls — but it never made my heart melt with a Chopin Nocturne, so ultimately not 'my kind of sound'. But killer on rock, house, etc., anything with bass and drive. It needs a step-up for MC. So low-priced (when you can find one) you can try it just for a lark.

Ayre P-5xe has tons of drive and sounds super clean.  Sounds best balanced.  

We can also add Pass Labs XP-15 and XP-25 to the list.

Parasound...their phono-preamps have all the ability to "get loud" no matter what cartridge you're using.  

If you want to go the tube route, Audio Research.  I'm using a vintage PH-3 and it makes my Denon 103r MC cartridge absolutely sing.  I can imagine that a newer model like the PH-7/8 or one of the References would be a significant improvement.

Good luck on your search...

Arvin