Budget phono stage under $100, cheap but refined, does it exist?

I bought the budget project photo box for a friend. It was toast in under 24 hours and the folks at project had little time or sympathy to attend to customer service. I ended up buying the Beringer $25 model... shrill in the highs and now low end at all. I agree with the Lounge Audio recommendation. Look up any reviews of the LCR mk iii.... haven’t heard it but it gets raves.. though again I haven’t heard it the Schiity products at Schiit have a reputation for high build quality at affordable prices with excellent customer service.. and all American made.. 

best of luck

Hdm

I just did!

Thank you!

Thanks to all but should be good to go now.

Minus one on the Mani. Mine was defective from day one.
Oh but their CS does live up to the company name.
Refunds minus shipping both ways and restock fee.
You might get lucky though... I am only one out of four
on this thread. Feeling lucky??

Just so happens I am selling a U-Turn Audio Pluto Phono Preamp here: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a29j-u-turn-pluto-phono-preamp-phono

Minus one on the Mani. Mine was defective from day one.
Oh but their CS does live up to the company name.
Refunds minus shipping both ways and restock fee.

A restocking fee for a defective item? I'd hope that was only the result of a miscommunication. Otherwise, that's incredibly schiity.