Suggestions for a Phono Preamp.

@jay73  +1

@meliodes 

Which cartridge do you have installed?

I do owe the Moon 110lp since about 10 years and I am happy.

End-user adjustable impedance loading (100 and 47k ohms).
End-user adjustable capacitance loading (0 and 100pF).
End-user adjustable gain settings for moving magnet (40dB) and moving coil cartridges (60dB).

If you can find a used one for around 300 Dollars, grab it. It would be an upgrade, I believe. Well invested money IMO

Otherwise, you may want to go with the Pro-Ject Phono Box or stay with the AT PEQ3

It depends from the cartridge.

Cheers!

Musical Fidelity Lx2 Lps....has both capacitance and resistive loading plugs, mm and mc settings, and a rave review at WhatHiFi. 

@meliodes 

This being my first Audiogon post, please be gentle!

My take on phono preamps is that their function is to get the most out of your turntable and cartridge. The better the turntable and cartridge, the better job it will do.

I would recommend you look at Darlington Labs MM and MP line up.

www.darlingtonlabs.com

Their website is a very good. Highly recommended read. And not just the landing page.

They have a compelling story, and users are passionate about their products.

I just took delivery of the MP-7. It's quite remarkable. That is a little out of your price range, but the MM-5 and MM-6 aren't.

They are a Massachusetts company that is doing wonderful things for audio enthusiasts. Keith Richardson is always willing and quick to respond to emails.

They have a 30 day return policy. I would start there if it was me.

And no, Keith and I are not related, and I don't sit on their Board. 🤣

In your price range, I've heard very good things about the Schiit Mani which has some great adjustability in Gain, Impedance (most MM cartridges suggest 47K Ohms), and low frequency filter roll off if needed. 

It is $149 (dang inflation).  Obviously if you can spend double that you should get more performance (maybe).

Cheapaudioman on YouTube did a review of the Mani and liked it fine.

Currently I have a built-in Pluto 2 from U-Turn and it is OK for the price I think with the Ortofon 2M Red. 

But if I move up in cartridges (other than trying a compatible 2M Blue stylus) I'll likely look for something better, more price appropriate, maybe like one of the Rega ones $400 to $500. 

Good luck. 

BTW, I did a search on MOON 110LP v2 Phono Preamplifier and found it at one site (ListenUp) Clearance / Open Box for $359. I have no idea of that site's warranty, etc., so do some research if that sounds like something you might want to stretch your budget for.  It retails for $600, so the thing is it might be fine to use for years while you do the upgrade routine to other components, knowing you are getting all you can from them.