Phono Stage, How much do I need to spend, New or used.

Ugh, filling the room? Never ever heard this when comparing a phono stage. Speakers? Yes. More sensitive speaker or a more powerful amp to drive existing speakers to a louder level would "fill a room". Most phono stages will work the same, amplify the tiny signal. However, some of course will provide better "quality" sound. Unless maybe the phono stage in question has adjustable gain...then yes it may play a bit louder, but I don't think that is the issue.

The musical fidelity lx-lps is a terrific mm/mc phono preamp. Comes with both loading and capacitance plugs. Excellent specs as well. I think it is still avail at $499. Still have mine, even though I moved up to a tavish design tubed phono preamp.