Phono preamp suggestions

The Moon LP3 is a fine preamp in the range, but if you want to step up your game, I don't see doing that without at least doubling your budget to $1200 or even $1500+. If you like the Moon phonostage sound – which as I recall has a very neutral presentation – maybe a Moon 310LP is a good one to set your sights on. I had one at home for a couple weeks and thought it was quite good. I considered getting it plus the outboard PSU, but ended up with a Herron phonostage (way out of your budget).

Guess I'll increase the budget and see whats out there used for a bit more.

I have a Parks Audio Budgie that is no longer made but if you can find a used one it’s pretty darn good. The only phono preamp I’ve compared it to was an Audio Research LS1 and I much preferred the Budgie and that was by a large margin. It’s a silly good tube PP that might be worth a try and if you don’t like it you can turn around and resale at no loss and probably fairly fast. Might be real hard finding one though. Can’t speak for the new model as mentioned earlier, but it’s SS I believe and not really a replacement. Not sure why they stopped making the Budgie.

Johnto, if interested there is a PS Audio GCPH on us audiomart for $500 free shipping.

Just took the plunge on an Ayre P5 xe waiting for delivery we'll see how it goes.