Need phono pre amp recommendations

Older AR's are great. Consider an SP-6. It has a superb phono stage. The SP-2 has a decent phono stage but it's hard to find one in great condition. I think that the phono stages in older AR's are build amazingly well.

Great recommendations so far.
Do not waste time / money on a beer budget table. I agree that you should at least buy a Rega or Clearaudio TT package and use the rest of your budget on a used preamp.

The SP9 is not my favorite ARC preamp, I have found that it sounds bright with most recordings. I much prefer the SP8 or SP6.
Also, look for a used CJ preamp with phono. CJ preamps from the 80s onwards come with excellent phono stages.
IMO as a former owner, the AI Modulus 3 phono stage is a little less dynamic/punchy than ARC's or CJ's vintage tube preamps, it lacks emotion and PRAT.
Also, an used/old tube preamp will most likely sound better than a new solid state preamp, in the same price range.

I have a Linn LP-12 TT (love it) and have had excellent experiences with Clearaudio and Rega tables.
The Clearaudio Emotion package with a MM cartridge is a glimpse of high-end sound at an affordable price. I have set up one recently for a friend and we were both amazed at its clean, punchy sound. The cartrige's frequency response is very flat. Also, it does not emphasize surface noise.
Champagne on a wine budget IMO.

There's a Conrad Johnson PV10AL with phono for sale in the classifieds that would be a perfect fit. It'll leave you with a healthy budget for TT and cart.

I started out with the clearaudio emotion with a rotel RC1070 pre...this is a great combo that you should easily find for ~1200-1500 (possibly with cart?)
The rotel 1070 is a great SS preamp that has a decent phono in it as well (MM only). The 1082 also has MC but it'd blow your budget...

Thanks for the response so far. I will look at the Clearaudio Emotion package and CJ pre as well as the other mentioned.
Any thoughts on the Denon DP 500M Table with a Ortofon 2M Red cart??

Thanks again.