Best Phono Preamp under $300 ?

He already has a Cambridge 640P. Look at his system.

Rootmann would make a great detective! I currently have one & was wondering what else would be good. I like the idea of the Acurus P-10 & Bottlehead also. Thanks for the great responses! The great thing about Audiogon is being able to try a couple of different things & sell what is left over.

Try Vista Audio if MM is all you need. Don't let the size fool you. It plays big. Comes with a trial period too.

I used both Yamaha CX1 & CX2 previously and loved them. Iam not sure which, but I believe the CX2 had a button on the back to switch from MM to MC type phono cartridges. Very quiet and appealing pre. They should be fairly cheap on the used market by now.
Good luck, John

11-16-09: Rootmann
He already has a Cambridge 640P. Look at his system.

D'oh! I keep forgetting to do that!

Then he already has the best phono preamp under $300 unless he lucks into a good used unit. The MF V-LPS may be a little better. I don't think you get consistently, noticeably better until you reach the $600 Musical Surroundings Phonomena II. Except for a very narrow set of circumstanaces, a Bellari is not going to overall best the 640P. And the Slee Gram Amp 2 SE @ $410 is more money but a lateral move in performance and loss of MC capability.