If you decide you want surround capability, you might consider a McIntosh MX130 . . . with a little hunting around you can probably find one well within your price range. They were one of the few preamp/processors available in the mid-1990s that had a high quality preamp section, and when used in stereo, they bypass the surround-sound processing entirely. They have a passable MM phono stage built in, tone controls, remote control, and an outstanding FM tuner. The preamp and tuner circuitry is virtually identical to Mac's two-channel separates of the era. There is also the C39, which is identical except that it has no tuner.
The catch is that the surround-sound section is REALLY primitive by today's standards, being Pro Logic only . . . this is why they're highly depreciated. But if you're only minimally concerned with surround modes and want it mainly for two-channel, it's great. Some of the later-produced units had 6-channel inputs, and many of the earlier ones were modified to have this as well. And if this is the case, simply add a DVD player or Blu-Ray player with 6-channel analog outputs, and you'll have decoding for all of the latest sound formats, and the McIntosh will still provide analog-domain bass management if you wish.
The catch is that the surround-sound section is REALLY primitive by today's standards, being Pro Logic only . . . this is why they're highly depreciated. But if you're only minimally concerned with surround modes and want it mainly for two-channel, it's great. Some of the later-produced units had 6-channel inputs, and many of the earlier ones were modified to have this as well. And if this is the case, simply add a DVD player or Blu-Ray player with 6-channel analog outputs, and you'll have decoding for all of the latest sound formats, and the McIntosh will still provide analog-domain bass management if you wish.