Best budget $100 - 200 Phono Pre-amp?

Bellari's VP-129 tube preamp - about $160 new.
Single 12AX7 preamp tube. It has a switchable rumble filter and signal mute as well as a 1/4" stereo out for headphones. Nice review from HiFi+ last month. A little utilitarian in styling. Color - Fire Engine Red.

How can one tube handle two channels? (VP-129)
Art

Artmaltman,
As I understand it, and audiogoner "Newbee" might be better at explaining it, the symmetrical structure of a vacuum tube allows for addressing two distinct signal paths. In the case of the VP-129, one would have to count on a high degree of structural symmetry between the two halves for channel balance.

The 12AX7, like many modern small-signal tubes, is actually two discrete tubes housed in one vacuum envelope and sharing a common heater. One section, or tube, can handle one channel and the other another. In tube receiving manuals this tube is referred to as a small-signal dual triode.

Would this compromise channel separation - either substantially or subtlely? (Or am I asking for too much at $160? for a phono stage? : - )
Art