Best Phono You've Heard Under $2200

Robert Grodinsky Research RGR 4. Both its phono and high level stages are exemplary in sonic quality. His former company was RG Dynamics - pro audio. An earlier version of this preamp was called the Dimension 3. The Model 4 is even better! 

Musical Surroundings nova III and Parasound JC3 jr.  Auditioned both before really streching my budget and getting the Herron VTPH-2A.  I would have been happy with either, but much happier with the Herron.

Gold Note PH-10. Very musical and extremely flexible. Great piece.

Just a little over your budget new - Manley Chinook.

The Nova is quite good, super quiet and hyper linear. The mentioned Manley and Gold Note are great. The Gold Note makes loading and EQ changes dope simple. Stretch and find a Herron IF you can.Also IF you don't need a ton of gain, a Croft RIAA is a fantastic tube unit from the UK. A sleeper SS unit is the Chord....also easy top/front panel changes...