My vote is for the VAC preamp with phono stage CPA1 - MKII. This is one of the finest preamps and the phono stage is outstanding. I sold the ARC PH3 for this preamp. This is a tube preamp with seperate power unit. Very nice, and used is within your price range.
Best Pre-Amp with Phono Stage
I'm looking for a great Pre-amp, mainly for it's Phono stage. I want to stay around $3000.00 used. A little about my system: I'm using a Sim audio Moon W-5 into B&W N802's, Nordost SPM cables with quatro fil interconnects. I need a great Phono Pre-amp. My digital is a Wadia 860, and I run that direct into the amp, so that isn't a concern. Please help.