If its just a temporary phono stage I would recommend the iFi Iphono 2 at $500 new its a great phono stage that punches well above its price point and has the flexibility for just about any cart.
if you can find a Gold Note PH10 used that is also a killer phono stage for the money. I believe they are around $1500 new so may find one at a deal for close to your budget. I did a compare with a couple much more expensive tube phono stages and this is no slouch. Alnic ($3200 can not recall the model it was new this year though)) and AudioNote Kit 2($2600) were the two phono stages. there is a review I wrote on here if you search.
side note:
Tubes - AudioNote Kit phono stages are very nice sounding and can be had for reasonable money (you do not need to build it your self you can order them built)
cheers
Glen
oh
I've have the Gold Note PH 10 now and used an iFi prior to it for a few months.
if you can find a Gold Note PH10 used that is also a killer phono stage for the money. I believe they are around $1500 new so may find one at a deal for close to your budget. I did a compare with a couple much more expensive tube phono stages and this is no slouch. Alnic ($3200 can not recall the model it was new this year though)) and AudioNote Kit 2($2600) were the two phono stages. there is a review I wrote on here if you search.
side note:
Tubes - AudioNote Kit phono stages are very nice sounding and can be had for reasonable money (you do not need to build it your self you can order them built)
cheers
Glen
oh
I've have the Gold Note PH 10 now and used an iFi prior to it for a few months.