Your Nominations: Top Phono Stages under $1,000

Luxman makes several standalone phono stages that sound very good. I use an E-200 and find it sounds excellent and will work in nearly any application with almost all cartridges. You don't see them used that often but they are under a grand when you do.

I'll second that ARC PH-3 recommendation. Crazy good for the money.

Lounge Audio

By all accounts a used Sutherland, Tom Evans Microgroove would be worthy of your consideration. There's also the EAR 834p that depending on the version/vintage will sell below your maximum.