+1 for the Schiit Skoll ($399)
+1 for the Moon LP110 v2. ($750, a bit out of his $500 target price. Older models of this used to be $600. Perhaps look for used).
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.