I guess part of this will depend on what is "NOT very expensive"... I will make a quick assumption at the "less than $1000" mark and go from there (a little over that price, the number of possibilities of "good" rises quite quickly when considering used equipment).
One way to get into a great preamp with phono stage built-in would probably be to buy an older AudioResearch (SP-6, -8, -10, -11), Conrad Johnson, or Counterpoint (SA-3 or SA-5 series) preamp. You'll get a more-than-respectable preamp with decent gain and a phono stage to boot. You should check before buying any of these whether the phono stage can handle low-output MC cartridges. Some likely won't (and therefore will need a step-up). More recent possibilities might include Audible Illusions Modulus or a VTL 2.5 with phono board. All of these should be less than $1k used.
Another possibility, and one which I have never heard but have read about quite a few Agoners' and Asylum inmates' experiences with is the WrightSound WPP200C phono stage with volume pots. You can buy new, direct from the mfr, for something on the order of $850. You might find one used. I might also dig around archives of the AudioAsylum Vinyl board. Lots of interesting commentary there too.
Even cheaper (for the soldering DIYer) might be the Bottlehead Seduction phono pre with some volume pots attached.
Disclaimer in the interests of full disclosure: I own none of these, have bought none of these, nor have any relation to anyone selling any of these, though I have listened to several (and would love to try my hand at DIY-ing).
