For $600, I'm pretty sure you can find a Dynavector P75 here on the 'Gon. Probably less. I haven't looked for them in a while, and their aren't any currently listed. If you can get the mkII version, even better.
For the money, nothing is more flexible and sounds better IMO. Had I not had a great phono stage in my Bryston B60, I'd very happily buy one. Another great one is the Simaudio LP3. Pretty sure they go for much less than $600 here as well. The Dynavector is better, but it's also more expensive.
Hopefully you've got a good table and cart. The phono stage can only amplify what it's fed. The phono stage is crucial IMO, but it's not going to fix a bad signal.
For the money, nothing is more flexible and sounds better IMO. Had I not had a great phono stage in my Bryston B60, I'd very happily buy one. Another great one is the Simaudio LP3. Pretty sure they go for much less than $600 here as well. The Dynavector is better, but it's also more expensive.
Hopefully you've got a good table and cart. The phono stage can only amplify what it's fed. The phono stage is crucial IMO, but it's not going to fix a bad signal.