Need advice with a phono stage for my BAT VK-50...

For the type of music that you're interested in playing I would recommend tubes all the way through, unless your speakers are inefficient. The next best option is to have all tubes in the front end, pre and phono, and a good, clear SS amp.

> Should the phono stage be tube or SS? <

This is a matter of preference and cost; no absolutes. My preference is for tube, but a good quality low noise tube unit puts you at the upper end (or over) of your target price limit. The advantage of the lower cost solid state units is that they will allow you to enjoy the music you have on LP without a major investment, you can take some of your budget and put it towards a better cartridge (a worthwhile thing to do), and you can always sell it and upgrade later if you find you're listening to more vinly. On the flip side, a higher quality tube phonostage, like a used EAR, BAT, CJ, or Herron, will give you a better sense of the potential for vinyl playback.

> I would tend to play acoustic... I would prefer the warmer, more natural sound for this type of music. <

Any of the tube units mentioned will serve you well; but they are different in their sonic signatures. Of the solid state units, consider Grado and Tom Evans.

For cartridges, a Grado Sonata at $500 will do justice to your music preference and give you very natural midrange reproduction.
.

I'll chime in cuz I own a VK30 and I'm an analog junkie. I would encourage you to buy the aforementioned Grado Sonata cartridge and give a Lehmann Black Cube phono pre-preamp a try. Very good SS phono stage and affordable to boot (generally ~$300 used); I really doubt you'll regret the Lehmann and can always move up as money allows and the "upgrade itch" sneaks up on you. Welcome to the dark side my friend. Jeff