Do they make a quiet great sounding phono pre amp??

The Herron VTPH-2, as several other members with impeccable pedigree have already mentioned, is a terrific unit. I had one and loved it. I foolishly sold it a few years ago and have regretted it ever since.

Recently, I found a great deal on an Allnic H1201, and I can say with confidence that it is, at least to me, right there neck and neck with the Herron. I've tried it with both MM and MC cartridges, and it sounds tremendous with either. I honestly cannot believe how quiet this thing is. They seem to go for a bit less than the VTPH-2, but not only could I be happy with either, I actually have been. I'd love to get another Herron to compare them side by side in the same system, but for now I am more than satisfied with the Allnic.

"noise,noise,noise even terrible clipped signals!"

Undortunate you're having such a bad experience with the Chinook. You must listen at very LOUD levels. When I demoed a Chinook, I didn't hear tube hiss until 1:00 o'clock.  That's an unrealistic, everyday level(IMO) so not an issue. 

I would contact the dealer. Perhaps he can swap it for another unit?

The all tubed Decware looks promising, but you still need a step up for LOMC. http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm

Sorry, not in your price range but I purchased a second hand Allnic H-3000 - 8 tubes plus 1 large power rectifier tube-absolutely quiet, no noise, hum etc and it sounds great. Allnic makes a lower price tube phono that you might find used. Best wishes.

I also use the Herron VTPH-2 and I am very pleased with it; very quiet and resolute.

Again, the Herron. It replaced a very quiet solid state unit (Whest PS30RDT) which is well regarded sonically. The Herron is as quiet and sonically far superior.