Recommended amplification?

Heard few impressive things about Onkyo A-9555. Integrated amp is the only one that will have phono stage, otherwise you will have to buy pre-amp with phono. Check it out:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000J0ORMS.01._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I would recommend Parasound products..check them out. Great affordable amps and preamps w/phono stage.

Rgodin, I've been under the impression that integrated amps usually have better components than receivers and that separate pre-amps and amps cost much more than integrated amps. If that isn't true though, I would go for any economically reasonable choice. I'm usally Ohm Walsh Super 2s which are the current Walsh 100 S3 drivers in an old Walsh 2 cabinet.

Thanks for the other suggests so far!

Any more suggestions?

The $500 price point is a tough one. NAD, Creek, and Rotel are the first that come to mind. The good lower price integrated amps go pretty fast, so you'll have to check often and be ready to jump when one that fits your preferences and budget shows up.

Other options are vintage amps or off-shore manufactured models that benefit from the lower labor costs in Asia.

Expanding your budget by a couple hundered dollars or so increases your choices quite a bit.