I LOVE my McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp. I would replace it in a heartbeat if it died.
The z version has gone up in price, a bit over your budget max.
Earlier version, mx110 (has black horizontal volume control) is less money, also highly praised.
This early mx110 has been re-furbed, it has ink worn off the front panel, easy enough to fix with a sharpie
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363270393203
.....................................
some info about the difference of earlt and later z versions here
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/mcintosh-mx110-vs-mx110z.337718/
McIntosh MX 110 (EARLY)
http://mcc.berners.ch/tuner-pre-amps/MX110EARLY.pdf
MX 110Z (LATE)
http://mcc.berners.ch/tuner-pre-amps/MX110LATE.pdf
The way to tell the difference at a glance is the concentric on/off volume and rotary balance control on the late version; slider balance control on early.
Other refinements include end caps which are slimmer and vertically "Veed" on later version.
There doesn't seem to be much of a consensus as to which may sound better which suggests they probably sound essentially alike.
Agreed 100% with Steve, cosmetic condition is paramount; functional issues can always be tended.
A highly regarded and quintessential piece of vintage Mc. An essential for the vintage Mc collector.
The z version has gone up in price, a bit over your budget max.
Earlier version, mx110 (has black horizontal volume control) is less money, also highly praised.
This early mx110 has been re-furbed, it has ink worn off the front panel, easy enough to fix with a sharpie
https://www.ebay.com/itm/363270393203
.....................................
some info about the difference of earlt and later z versions here
https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/mcintosh-mx110-vs-mx110z.337718/
McIntosh MX 110 (EARLY)
http://mcc.berners.ch/tuner-pre-amps/MX110EARLY.pdf
MX 110Z (LATE)
http://mcc.berners.ch/tuner-pre-amps/MX110LATE.pdf
The way to tell the difference at a glance is the concentric on/off volume and rotary balance control on the late version; slider balance control on early.
Other refinements include end caps which are slimmer and vertically "Veed" on later version.
There doesn't seem to be much of a consensus as to which may sound better which suggests they probably sound essentially alike.
Agreed 100% with Steve, cosmetic condition is paramount; functional issues can always be tended.
A highly regarded and quintessential piece of vintage Mc. An essential for the vintage Mc collector.