rogue audio 66 preamp with phono is respectable and within budget, about $1300 new, there is one posted used for $875, hard to beat imo, and you'd have more budget for speakers. of course, you'll likely want to step up to the bigger brother, the 99 preamp which would set you back farther than you want right now. call mark o'brien at rogue, very friendly and a pleasure to talk to when i needed customer support. also, rogue will be expanding their preamp/amp line to include two separate phono preamps soon, if not already. there will be a standard mm/mc pre at about $800, and a reference phono pre at about $1800. having lived with the 99/88 combo for about a year, i can't imagine being disappointed at this price point.
of course, there is the audible illusions 3a, about $1100 used seems to be what they go for, give or take a bit. never listened, but from what i hear one of the damn finest phono sections to be had with a linestage.
if i may recommend speakers, check out the spendor line in addition to what you've already suggested interest in, specifically the sp1/2 monitors. new with sound anchor stands about $2700, can be found used for about $1500 if patient.
welcome to the hobby
please audition all the gear you can in person, and at home if possible. remember , you must live with it.
my advice is to stretch your budget as far as you can IF you've happened across an item you are in love with. the extra $500 spent then, as painful as it may be, will often prevent some of the upgradeitis later on. upgradeitis can turn that $500 into a more painful $2500 in no time.
my 2 cents
hope it helps
cheers and regards
