Phono pre amp

Schiit has 3 phono preamps available starting at $149. I've always found their stuff sounds great for the money.  You might even find one used. 

Rega phono stages are highly regarded in the budget category. 

This - Schiit Mani 2 @rbull11 

https://www.amazon.com/ART-DJPREII-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B000AJR482/ref=asc_df_B000AJR482?mcid=1c4d1f27af11335daa910eb0aa6de30c&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693461915926&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16245576809035197311&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032930&hvtargid=pla-494843754847&psc=1&hvocijid=16245576809035197311-B000AJR482-&hvexpln=0

NAD pp2e is a solid entry level preamp. Can do MM and MC playback. Bought a refurbished one for under $150

I sent a few mid priced phono preamps with great reviews back, just didn't like them, meanwhile, this was my pick for a temp phono preamp, might seem like a joke, but even the few friends I have loaned it to for their temporary use have agreed, and it fits behind anything.

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B00025742A/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PLwpKKGtxN3x-NcMSv1TZBbhPK4jmaznGSFLrzvmGDcePh-iavFVWJ8QZYQ0SQ8S_05FT7Laa-u98cFbS_eeqkntIDrx69I9R9zT8GooideBMLRzHeOiFFIo6t6JgGNsrdD-_OzACZaKHf6xY7bf4IZ10cDX5-lMgAtBQxB0xr7tCWuYp4oJPGMZtTXNwJ6b-Uo5biHprDVp_pIcJbugZ7_sq86E_zubtkoZ0XSzc98.UisHWkEQeLlpeD4sTU4U6m0gIzQlqxEbA69mrBw0tTk&dib_tag=se&keywords=pyle+phono+preamp&qid=1752156559&sr=8-3

Likewise, I had a McIntosh SS C28 Preamp, I just didn't like it's MM Phono, I actually preferred the dinky optional one built into the AT120 TT, until I got my current McIntosh mx110z tube tuner preamp. I use a SUT so I can keep using it's MM phono for any cartridge MC or MM.

Another vote for the Schiit Mani.  You can find them used for $70-$80.

Sota Pyxi.

Using it with my Rega P10. Nothing I auditioned that sounded better.

Also, Sota is a fantastic company, some of the finest customer support I've experienced.

Music Hall pa15.3 - $249 at their web site.

+1 for the Schiit Mani.

works and sounds OK. 

$149.00 at their site

Schiit products are solid for the price.  If you are willing to spend a bit more, Lounge Audio LCR MKIII is an excellent phono preamp, starting at about $420.  The SQ I am getting from my Thorens TD 126 MKII and Audio-Technica cartridge is simply astounding … to me.

A Phono Stage search on Aliexpress will show a vast range of designs in both SS and Valve/Hybrid and Valve Input / Output. 

Monies asked are very very fair, there can be a wait of a few weeks for a delivery.    

I've had both Rega and Schiit. Rega sounds better to my ears at comparable prices to Schiit. Rega Fono Mini is $195.00 brand new.Rega Fono MM is 445.00 brand new and Rega Fono MC is 555.00 brand new. I'm sure used prices will be around your budget.

I eventually upgraded to the Rega Aura.

Schiit Mani 2 -  $160. Michael Fremer of The Tracking Angle likes it!

An alternative to the Schiit models (which I happen like as well), you might want to look at the Parasound Zphono's, which you can pick up used for <$200.

Presumably your INT has a built in PS?

What is your amp and phono rig? 

I ask because for $650 + $150 shipping you could get a killer tube phono that will very likely beat anything built in.

Although the delivery timeline may be a non-starter. They only make a finite qty each month.

Softone Model 4 (made in Japan)

I’d try to persuade you to go at a higher level at this point....such as my K&K Trio.

At the time, it was considered to be 95% of Kevin Carter’s famous Max Phono, which was considered a bargain at $5k. The Trio sold new at half the cost of the Max. 

There are great deals to be had on used, high quality phono preamplifiers that will provide you years of enjoyment as/if you upgrade the other components in your system.

My Int amp has a built in phono stage which I like. For now I'm using my Arcam SR250 which doesn't have a phono stage. Right now I'm using a Project phono box which I don't care for the sound quality. So I'm looking for a little better sound at a reasonable price for a temporary solution.

Background noise on the Mani 2 is lower than the original.  Schiit offers a $188, 30-day free-return deal on Amazon, and I encourage you to take advantage of that generous policy. Once you factor in shipping for the $149 price on Schiit’s own website, the total cost nearly matches the Amazon deal—but with fewer benefits. Ordering from Schiit directly means only 15 days for a home audition and a restocking fee if you decide to return it.

You never know if you'll like it, and buying through Amazon gives you that extra layer of protection—like a bomb shelter.

I'm not suggesting anyone abuse this loaner-friendly policy, but if you're picky like I am, I highly recommend taking advantage of it. I once tried the SYS, Schiit's most basic preamp that many rave about, but I ended up returning it with great disappointment. (I kept the Saga 2 instead—it’s significantly better.)  Ever since, I’ve had strong reservations about Schiit’s most entry-level products, and I think this Amazon offer is a smart way to avoid buyer’s remorse.

This is a game changer. Not exactly super cheap, but not expensive at all.

http://parksaudiollc.com/