Recommendations for a phono stage: Gold Note turntable w/ MC cartridge to ARi50.

Darlington Labs

@maholl50 

Noting it is above the top of your budget. But in line with my comment on 2nd hand Whest stages there is a Whest 2.2 discrete (current new over $2k) going for $1195 on US Audio Mart. If you did not get on with it the likely 'loss' on resale could be much less than 2 or 3 iterations of getting anywhere near what this can do.  

Project tube phono excellent choices

I think a lot of folks underestimate the importance of the phono stage.  There are many options in your budget range that will sound "good", but you should consider budgeting close to what you spent on your turntable to get the most out of your vinyl playback.  As you step beyond the entry level phono stages you're considering you'll get more drive, dynamics, and tunefulness from a better quality phono stage.  If you just need something right now, consider a Parks Audio Waxwing as an interim step and save up for something commensurate with your turntable.

I started with an inexpensive Parasound phono stage and a MM cartridge. Upgraded to a Sutherland KC Vibe which was notably better. Upgraded to a MC cartridge and a Sutherland TZ Vibe.  Another notable improvement. The TZ Vibe is out of your budget range, but it's as good as I think I'll ever need. I'm not a huge vinyl guy, but I have several hundred albums from years ago.