Phono Stage, How much do I need to spend, New or used.

Speaking new prices, I think phono stage should be at least twice as expensive as cartridge. This is easy question to answer.

I started with an iphono and then moved to an EAR 834p, both used and under $1k. Good results with both. When I stepped up to the Manley Chinook SE, it was a bigger leap than going to the EAR. My vinyl outdoes my digital now, using a Hana SL and a VPI Prime. My digital is an excellent Lumin D2 with upgraded power supply. It comes quite close on hi Rez files. 

 denon pra 2000, Sony ES 77

also great option

Atoll and goldnote is also very competitivly priced and good 

Plenty to choose from for filling the room better than digital. Depends how far you want to go and how much commited to analogue. Any phono stage in 1k-2k, new or used, would be a huge upwards step. 

G

Might want to take a look at the Channel Island PEQ you could get in under budget including the optional outboard power supply. 

Best,
-JP