Best tube-based phono stage?

My friend is thinking about buying a Pro-Ject debut III turntable with USB, so he can get his rare vinyl cuts into iTunes. This deck comes with an Ortofon OM5e cart. Does that help? Has anyone got any experience porting vinyl into iTunes?
He mentioned that if he liked the Project deck, he'd probably upgrade in the future and pair that upgraded deck with a phono stage; he mentioned Jolida and Project phono stages.

I'll try to pry some more info out of him, thanks.

I'm posting as quick as I can! But I agree this site sux now.
I have info from my friend: $1000 or less (preferably under $800) for both the deck and the phono stage, definitely MM, will be using the venerable NAD 3020 for amplification at first, will be going with headphones until he can afford some standmounts. Don't know which cans he uses, but I know he has a pair of Grado SR80i's.
Thanks guys.

well I'll have to be patient I guess. I enjoy looking at everyone's recommendations. I found several brands here that I would have otherwise never discovered: HSU, Wireworld, Lifatec, blue jeans cable, Musical Fidelity, and PS Audio. My college roommate is the one seeking ideas, now he'll benefit too. He's not much of a forum guy, or he'd be on here.

I guess I should have started the thread with "best deck/tubed-phono-stage combo for $1000 or less?" But then no one would have responded, because the "Best Of" forum is not the right place for affordable pursuits. I'll re-post in Analog. Thanks.