Best phono-pre for mc-systems below $ 1.500,00 ?

Only auditioned Lehman Black Cube SE on my setup. Only 3 words can describe it versus the tube gears I have:
Bright, harsh, and thin.
I owned Marantz 7, SP-11, SA-5000, SA-2, RM-5 and all are better than the Cube in both MM and MC.
I still yet to find anything that can beat the RM4 and Citation I combo ( Cost me less than $700 altogather ) for under $3000.

ear 834p will be tough to beat

I just purchased the Eastern Electric Minimax tube phone preamp & have to tell you I am more than impressed. It is my first stand alone phono preamp. Don't be fooled by its small footprint & moderate price. It is a really special phono preamp. Check it out if you can.

Hi. I just purchased a Omtec Antares. Forget about all EAR, Clearaudio, Pass, Whest etc. This one is MUCH better and very close to the hand full of realy outstanding products like FM Acoustics, Boulder, Walker or Manley. Every vinyl lover should at least give it a listen - my favourite at a "reasonable" price € 1.500,-.

$1500 is a tough price point for phono stages, imo.

In tubes, I'd take a look at the Wright WPP200C + Wright transformer at around $1100 new - hard to find used. For solid state, the Camelot Lancelot Pro is a nice battery powered unit, w/ flexible loading options; here, look for a used one.