Suggestions for Phono Preamp, moderate $

There is also the Musical Surroundings Phonomenon at about $550-600 new. It is almost infinitely adjustable to your cartridge requirements and sounds good too. I've not heard it with a very low output MC (You didn't mention this in your query.), but it tops out at 60 dB gain which should handle most.

I just bought a Howell Black Cube with a pwx power upgrade on this site. These units are probably the best value for the money and there are a few right here on the 'Gon. At the low end of your price range too.