Audio Technica AT150MLX preamp suggestions?

Hi, I have experience with loading this cart and I can tell you that with my monolithic pre set at 100pf, I like it better than the 0pf setting. Total capacitance around 200pf works best so if you can use low capacitance interconnects like blue jeans cables, you are set. With that C value, the best rsistance loading is around 40K. You can add resistance in parallel using a Y cable and get there easily. Decreasing the resistance will yield terrific results with your C value set at 120pf and your cable capacitance around 100pf or so.

I use a Jolida JD-9A with my AT150MLX and the Jolida's adjustability makes for an excellent match. There is 100 pF in my cabling and the Jolida offers anything from 0 extra capacitance to 47 pF to 100pF and beyond. So I was able to load my cartridge (including interconnect) at 100, 147, or 200 pF. All worked well, but my favorite is 147 pF total. I had a chance to buy a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II for a great price, but it would have imposed a minimum load of 300 pF on the AT150MLX. I went with the JD-9A and am glad I did.

The JD-9A is an excellent match both sonically and specifically for load matching. I've enjoyed my LP rig (and AT150MLX) a lot more since getting it. It has a full size chassis, fairly big, robust power supply, and AC socket so you can use an aftermarket cable (which I do). It's available new at about your price range.