Which phono preamp?

A used Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 comes to mind. You might even find the signature version at a good price, but I would get the standard and spend the extra $ on some really good NOS tubes. Also, be sure to match the impedance correctly with the cartridge--most people just use the nominal value, which is not the OPTIMAL value. It's a trial and error process, but one that pays off--possibly the cheapest and most effective turntable tweak in existance.

If you go for the internal phono preamp you have the benefit of not having to purchase an interconnect cable. That money could purchase a whole lot of albums and that what it's all about anyway.

I can't comment on the Rogue internal phono preamp, never having heard it. But in your price range you can get the new Grado phono preamp (which should be available in a month or so), or a used Plinius Jarrah phono stage. Both are better than the Black Cube, and both can embarrass much pricier phono preamps.

Try a TACT preamp module, you add the RCA's and power supply. Very flexible and awesome sound for a lot less.

Mikey Fremmer braggs on the Chamelot Phono section, and ya know what, its a TACT with a power supply and RCA in one box. If you can solder, save a bundle, or build your own battery pack.

just my 2 cents worth.

jeff

I have a have had a black cube, an EAR, a wavelength cotangent, Cary, Etc. I have ended up with 2 Naim stagelines. Find a used naim Hi-cap power supply and get the Stageline new for $350.00 you will not be disappointed. This thing gets at the soul of the music better than anything I have tried under $2000.00 You have to buy a Chord DIN to RCA to connect it to a non naim preamp but when it plays music you will find it so rhythmic, so organic you may just throw out your CD player.
Best,
JC
PS you can get the stageline configured for MM, MC, with high or lower impedance matching.