Budget integrated with phono preamp

you have been on this site for a while , just wondering why you cant look around for a piece of equipment for her ?

you did the challenge to put your system together for under $10k, well, what can you do when you have a lot smaller budget of only $250.00 ?

I would look at possible something like a vintage receiver.......and worry about the digital later on when she can upgrade.    this would at least get her up and going for now

Here ya go!
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-2-0-ch-stereo-receiver-with-bluetooth-black/6187501.p?skuId=618750...

I would look for a used older model PS Audio Sprout.

Thanks for suggestions. Have been on forums for a while but trying to respond to her questions asap since she is in buying mode and likely to fall prey to bad advice at the local big box store. I am fairly new to stereo brands and assumed she could go used but was hoping somone had direct experience with some specific models and could streamline my search. I expect that some brands have better phone preamps than others. I am also concerned about buying something “too old” in terms of needing refurbishment. Plenty of 20+ year old units on CL in her price range but might just be buying someone elses problem. 

Any built-in preamp in an integrated that price is going to be a bottleneck. They just don’t put anything half-way decent in cheap receivers/integrateds. She’d be much better off getting the ART DJ Pre for about $40. It is much better than any built-in unit in that range. The U-Turn Pluto has gotten some great reviews -- I believe it sells for $89. I’d seek out a used Yamaha R-S500 receiver -- should be able to find one for about $150 -- it’s an excellent class AB amp for the $$$ and will have enough power (real RMS power at full bandwidth) to do those Elacs justice. It has a built-in Phono, but it’s dull. Pair it with the U-turn Pluto, Schiit Mani or ART DJ. That should yield a very respectable system.