Which cartridge you runing? A 0.5mV - 0.8mV MC is a different world from a 0.3mV and below. In that price range for a phono stage you’ll need some help from the cartridge for best results, i.e. at least 0.5mV.
For 0.5mV - 1.0mV range cartridges I think the Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 (in all its versions - stock, SE, and SE+) is fantastic (note: not their older model phono stage)! Especially if you pop in some awesome vintage Euro 6922/E88CC/7308 tubes. Note it came in 2 gain flavors: 54dB and 60dB, and I think you’d want the latter (it can be modded either way). Should be doable under 1500 used, but they’ve gotten rarer these days. I've had amazing results with the Phono 1 and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (0.45mV) and Shelter Accord (0.5 mV) - really wicked enjoyable analog sound - and I have a VAC phono stage and Koetsu Blue Lace in the main system to compare to. However if you run a 0.3mV or lower, the dynamics and bass will suffer. For lower output stuff you’re gonna be looking at a tube MM stage plus a good SUT in a 10x - 30x ratio. And that combination will run more than 1500 used.
Edit: Manley Chinook looks like a really good modern option for most MC carts if you can get one into your price range. Like the Sonic Frontiers, it uses a quad of 6922 plus a pair of JFETs.
For 0.5mV - 1.0mV range cartridges I think the Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 (in all its versions - stock, SE, and SE+) is fantastic (note: not their older model phono stage)! Especially if you pop in some awesome vintage Euro 6922/E88CC/7308 tubes. Note it came in 2 gain flavors: 54dB and 60dB, and I think you’d want the latter (it can be modded either way). Should be doable under 1500 used, but they’ve gotten rarer these days. I've had amazing results with the Phono 1 and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (0.45mV) and Shelter Accord (0.5 mV) - really wicked enjoyable analog sound - and I have a VAC phono stage and Koetsu Blue Lace in the main system to compare to. However if you run a 0.3mV or lower, the dynamics and bass will suffer. For lower output stuff you’re gonna be looking at a tube MM stage plus a good SUT in a 10x - 30x ratio. And that combination will run more than 1500 used.
Edit: Manley Chinook looks like a really good modern option for most MC carts if you can get one into your price range. Like the Sonic Frontiers, it uses a quad of 6922 plus a pair of JFETs.