I've been pleased with the MC phono section on the McIntosh C2300 preamplifier, which is well under your budget. Currently using it with a Dynavector XX-2 cartridge and have had very good results.
Preamp with quality MC phono section
I am in the market for a preamp with a builtin quality mc/mm phono section. Budget, up to $10,000 new or used.
Preamps that I can think of with a quality phono section are:
VAC
Shindo
Doshi
CAT
Any experience with any of these or recommendations would be appreciated. BTW any SS recommendations would also be welcomed.