If you have a bit of electronics experience or if you do not mind the DIY thing, I would recommend Bottleheads Seduction phono amp. It easily beats the pants of anything I have heard this side of grand and retails for under $300. ($275?) In addition, you can upgrade it over time as your finances allow.
Recently I took mine over to another 'phile who had some very serious Krell gear, and he very impressed with the sound of the Seduction. Either that or he pretended to be! ;-)
The seduction was my second build ever and proved quite easy. Mine has been 100% reliable and I have been using it on and off for almost 5 years.
The phono is really a critical piece of gear when it comes to listening to vinyl so do not skimp on it.
Regards
Paul
Recently I took mine over to another 'phile who had some very serious Krell gear, and he very impressed with the sound of the Seduction. Either that or he pretended to be! ;-)
The seduction was my second build ever and proved quite easy. Mine has been 100% reliable and I have been using it on and off for almost 5 years.
The phono is really a critical piece of gear when it comes to listening to vinyl so do not skimp on it.
Regards
Paul