Man this is frustrating

The Cardas Cross phono and a set of Cross interconnects used would fit that budget and would be a great combo as you upgrade table later if so desire, also the VPI phono is a great choice as it is wired with the same wire in your table/arm.

What make and model is the cartridge that you have? And how long do the cables need to be, especially the one connecting the turntable to the phono stage?

If it is a low output moving coil cartridge, the lower the cable’s capacitance (which is proportional to length) the better. If it is a moving magnet cartridge, that may or may not be the case depending on the particular cartridge.

Also, others who may respond should note that the phono stage in question costs approximately $250, while providing both LOMC and MM compatibility.

Regards,
-- Al

Dynavector 10x5. Also obtained new on the relative cheap due to the company getting out of the two-channel business. And correct - the MoFi provides both MC and MM capability. And for $250 I quite like it's sound. 

The 10x5 is a high output moving coil cartridge having a rated output under the standard test conditions of 2.5 mv.  You may want to consider the Signal Cable Silver Resolution Reference Phono cable.  Assuming the cable would have a typical length (e.g. 3 to 6 feet or so) the 18.9 pf/foot capacitance of that cable should be suitable.  The Signal Cable line-level analog interconnects are also worth considering, for the connection between the phono stage and the integrated amp. 

Signal cable products have received a lot of favorable commentary here over the years, and the proprietor is a class act.  FWIW, also, my own experience with their products is just with some of their power cords, which I've been very pleased with.

Good luck.  Regards,
-- Al
   

The runs are short (1 to 1.5 meters). I also have a Budgie preamp but would likely need a step up transformer to use it with this system.