In search of quality mc Phono stage

If buying new, anything phono, I suggest buying from a source that accepts returns. Find used accepting returns, great.

I just saw your preamp is C22. You said Vintage, I presume

http://akdatabase.org/AKview/albums/userpics/10004/C22-CE%20Owners%20Manual.pdf

I got momentarily confused, The new one, same model number has built in MM and MC inputs and several loading options. See face plate options here:

owners manual

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/c22d-om01.pdf?rev=1a15df7bb36f4a2a97dacfe5a9f8a622&revision=1a15df7b-b36f-4a2a-97da-cfe5a9f8a622

That's what some external SUT's do, single setting; a few options; lots of optional settings.

I haven’t got through all the information in replies yet, but I will add this. My C 22 is an original C 22. I used to have a Audio AN S2 L step up transformer but I got so tired with grounding issues with the vintage gear that I just sold it And decided to go MC phono stage. I have a digital meridian set up coming soon that I will need a phono-stage for anyways. The Audio Note / Koetsu will end up with the Meridian and my TD 124 with a Grace MM F9 will end up with the C 22 and Mac gear.

I am using a cheap little project phono box with MC to make it work at the moment

Over your price range new, but maybe you can find one used at the right price

https://www.stereophile.com/content/lejonklou-entity-phono-preamplifier

I gave it 2 month, tried 4 different ones, at half your price range. I didn't try the Manley Chinook or Hegel V10 but those would be my end game phono stages. There are lots of options, pros and cons, I wouldn't overthink it, my 2 cents is that they are like good cables, transport the signal and not create it. I read great things about Sutherland, but as a general rule, I wouldn't spend more than a third of the other components' prices on the phono stage.