You can sometimes find Zesto Andros used for your budget. The nice thing about it is that you can buy it used, and then upgrade the internal power supply (they call it ESP, and it makes a big difference to an already nice phono stage) next year when your coffers fill up again.
It uses built in step-up transformers, and works really well with my very low output SPU cartridges. It also works well with those of a more normal output. It has two inputs (one for moving magnet). I use two tonearms, and my mono cartridge goes into that one.
I happen to like what a tube phono stage does - and I bet it will be different from the Hegel, which will be fun.
David
