I use the Music Hall MMF phono pre-amp. It is right in your price range, new. My system consists of an Arcam AVR200 and the Music Hall mmf-7. Although I don't claim to have the depth of knowledge or obsession (with all due respect) of a lot of the folks here, I do like good sound and this combination has been working well for me.
what preamp to use
I am just entering into the vinyl world. I have done minimal research on what kind of turn table to buy. My brother in law has a VPI Scoutmaster and I was totally shocked the way it sounded....I don't want to kick out the big bucks that he spent.. He recommended the Music Hall mmf-5, which I have already ordered...I have a Harmon Kardon avr 235 with Polk speakers that sound really good..What type of pre-amp should I get for around the $100.00 range..If someone could help me it would be greatly appreciated...Thnks,
Scott
Scott