I tried out 4 or 5 in that price range when starting out. Went with the $500 Graham Slee. Upgraded to the $1000 Graham Slee. Both are very good IMHO. I’d look for the $1000 one used for $500 or a little more or less.
Phono Preamp Selection
I have no idea of which Phono Preamp I should purchase. I read the reviews from Audio Science and the author provides testing criteria and results for Phono Preamps. I do not have a awesome system - rather it is just a nice system. I reviewed (Pro-ject Phono Box DC MM/MC / Cambridge Audio Duo / IFI Zen / Schitt Skoll ). My turntable is a MoFi with a Hana MC Cartridge. 500.00 is my budget as I am just a listener of old vintage records. My amp is a Denon and my speakers are bookshelf Triangle(s). Appreciate your time and responses.