I am using an all analog McIntosh C2300 preamp with Vintage smooth plate Telefunkens in both the phone stage (MC & MM) and line stage. I am using MC. It sounds great, no color, but, very smooth and sweet. I really appreciate the balanced inputs/outputs. If you are also running digital, and XLR interconnects, it is great because you can run the signal through the tube line stage. It also has db trim adjustment for each input, so, you can even out the loudness between all your sources. It is not available new, so, you have to buy it used - which is in your budget. It seems very well built. I bought it used and have it servce for 13 years, and so far, it has been bulletproof. I hope this helps you.