If you're only fooling around and doing some configuration testing the Pyle 999 is ok for like $16. I used one while my phono stage was back at the mother ship being upgraded.
If you are all vinyl, I would save up and get a really good phono stage.
If you don't have a digital source, just go straight in from the phono stage. I took out my pre when I went all vinyl (I use a switchbox now for my digital). I would be straight in if not for my occasional CD playing.
My amp is a SET that happens to have a volume pot on the inputs.