I started with an inexpensive Parasound phono stage and a MM cartridge. Upgraded to a Sutherland KC Vibe which was notably better. Upgraded to a MC cartridge and a Sutherland TZ Vibe. Another notable improvement. The TZ Vibe is out of your budget range, but it's as good as I think I'll ever need. I'm not a huge vinyl guy, but I have several hundred albums from years ago.
Recommendations for a phono stage: Gold Note turntable w/ MC cartridge to ARi50.
I'm seeking some suggestions for a phono preamp to connect a Gold Note Giglio turntable w/ Donatello Red MC cartridge to an Audio Research i50 amplifier. ARC has a phono stage module for I think 750 -1000 but I don't listen to much vinyl and don't really want to spend that much. I'm looking to spend approx $500. Any thoughts on this from the members are greatly appreciated.