If you can find one (never easy), a used Vendetta Research 2B or C would be as good as any units out there. I saw one a few weeks ago on A-gon, but it seems to have been snapped up. I had one a number of years ago, sold it when I got my JP80MC, it was the quietest phono stage I ever had. Don't get one expecting to have it upgraded to current specs, though, unless you're prepared for a long wait, as it took Mr. Curl a long time (in the past, at least) to get around to doing those upgrades after the units were sent to him (you can't rush genius). Two tubed, good sounding units I've heard are the Audio Research PH-3 and the Herron (seems to sell around $2000 used), both worth an audition. Finally, at a little above your price point new, Innersound has a solid state phono stage which I was very impressed with when I auditioned it in my system while my Jadis was out for repairs. Hope these give you some ideas at the top of your price range.
