Decent preamp

Do you guys think XLR connection makes a big difference in sound quality? 

Those Mark Levinson preamps are around $4,000 used. Phono add-on alone exceeds my budget. I hope no one suggests Boulder or Gryphon gear.

XLR is balanced (differential) signal path connection, and therefore immune to many kinds of EM noise. Used high end reliable preamp for 40% of new price is good deal, it can run almost forever. New ML preamp cost five times more, with comparable performance. 

B&K Pro 10 pre w outboard power supply.Bilt like a tank with very good mm/Mc phono stage.Has mono option and ca be run as a passive preamp.

Re used gear: +1 on c-j. I have the PV-10AL and the PF-R preamps which I just recapped. You can never go wrong with c-j sound. Their build quality is great, and on older products what you have to do is just replace the electrolytics, provided these units were not abused. Still, you'll have more peace of mind if you get a tech to take a look.