I agree an integrated amp is the way to go for simplicity and value. Over the last few years there have been a few integrateds in my system. The Audio Refinement Complete is a beautiful sounding amp but has no phono section. I am now using a Roksan Kandy III and couldn't be happier. It sounds terrific, is ruggedly built and has a nice phono preamp. Prior to those amps I had a Sony TA-F707ES. You can pick those up used. They are built to last forever, loaded with features and sound quite nice in direct mode.
The point is there are a number of fine integrated amps on the market in your price range. Decide what's important to you sound and feature wise, do some research, and enjoy the hunt. Good luck.
The point is there are a number of fine integrated amps on the market in your price range. Decide what's important to you sound and feature wise, do some research, and enjoy the hunt. Good luck.