Tube MC phono stage recommendation

Which cartridge you runing? A 0.5mV - 0.8mV MC is a different world from a 0.3mV and below. In that price range for a phono stage you’ll need some help from the cartridge for best results, i.e. at least 0.5mV.

For 0.5mV - 1.0mV range cartridges I think the Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 (in all its versions - stock, SE, and SE+) is fantastic (note: not their older model phono stage)! Especially if you pop in some awesome vintage Euro 6922/E88CC/7308 tubes. Note it came in 2 gain flavors: 54dB and 60dB, and I think you’d want the latter (it can be modded either way). Should be doable under 1500 used, but they’ve gotten rarer these days. I've had amazing results with the Phono 1 and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (0.45mV) and Shelter Accord (0.5 mV) - really wicked enjoyable analog sound - and I have a VAC phono stage and Koetsu Blue Lace in the main system to compare to. However if you run a 0.3mV or lower, the dynamics and bass will suffer. For lower output stuff you’re gonna be looking at a tube MM stage plus a good SUT in a 10x - 30x ratio. And that combination will run more than 1500 used.

Edit: Manley Chinook looks like a really good modern option for most MC carts if you can get one into your price range. Like the Sonic Frontiers, it uses a quad of 6922 plus a pair of JFETs.

@tomic601 's suggestion for a Bob's Devices / CineMag SUT is a great one, and all of the blue-label models sound fantastic - 1254, 1131, Sky (in various ratios). Bob's Devices makes many of these (the Sky and 1131 models are exclusive to him) and they show up used for a good price occasionally. I've used a total of 4 of these and really liked each one. I think even the old CineMag 3440A came in a blue-label version for a short time. I'm not a huge fan of the old red-label 3440A, but even that model would make a huge improvement on your current setup, with your existing phono stage. You'll get dynamic, bass impact, clean tone - all with a much lower noise floor to boot. The only devil to tack down with a SUT is ground hum - and you IC cables from SUT to phono stage should be kept short as possible (less than 1m is best), low-capacitance, and shielded!

Sonic Frontiers is unfortunately defunct, but the head guy behind it now runs Parts Connexion, and he offers service plus upgrades on Sonic Frontiers gear. I’ve been through a number of phono stages by now, and the Phono 1 has impressed me the most in its "value for money" - yes, even compared to the Herron phono stage (which is excellent but priced a full level above). There is that caveat your output must be close to 0.5mV or higher, but looks like you’re there so I’d keep my eyes peeled. Mine is staying here for the forseeable future; it's unbeatable in my 2nd system :)

Happy New Year!