Given your budget of under $1K, you should definitely look at the Lehmann Audio Black Cube. It lists new for $700 (the "Improved" version with the non-magnetic housing). I've been using the original version between my digital pre/pro and a VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko arm/Shure V15VxMR, and I've been very pleased with the performance. Used versions can be purchased for around $450. which makes them a genuine bargain as well!
