MC Phono Preamp

I’m new here & just getting back into audiophile.  I was extremely lucky & fell into a George Warren tt with a Denon HOMC.  About 7-8 yrs ago, I bought a Denon AVR 4806. I knew I’d be getting back into tt’s, Denon used to kill on tt’s so, I thought... that phono will be great. Ugh. It’s like listening they a thick curtain.  

Heres my problem.  I only (period) have $250 to spend right now. I’ve been reading reviews until my head is swimming with terms & numbers.  But really,  unless you
pop for A bunch upfront, audition them all & pay return postage & restocking... they’re just words & numbers.

Can anyone recommend 1 or 2 new (or used on this site) please?  And, if you could distill a few concepts I should be paying critical attention to? Even though there’s a bizillion companies, it would seem like, at that firm price point, there’s probably only 4 or 5 worth buying.  Thank you very much for your help.