A couple of years ago I picked up a Project Tube Box DS for $350 and it sounds surprisingly good while being quite versatile with MM and MC settings. MC gain goes up to 60dB. I see it's been replaced with the next model (DS2) for $700. I wouldn't pay $700 but you can find these units on sale often and used or demo versions. For MM only carts I hear good things in this price range for the Lounge LCR Gold. For MC only I'd go with the Tom Evans Microgroove in this price range.