Recommendations for a phono preamp for MMF5

You might want to look into getting a Monolithic PS-1.
I just bought a Music Hall MMF5 turntable myself, and am
quite pleased so far with the PS-1.

The turntable should not be a consideration of which RIAA you choose.

What really matters is what cartridge you plan on using. If you want to keep budget under control, I'd recommend choosing either a high output MC or an MM. Any of these would easily be accomodated by most RIAA circuits.

I think the Clearaudio Alpha is an incredible bargain for ~$250 new. The Gram Amp SE is supposed to be a great budget RIAA (though I have never heard it). I think it was reviewed in the last TAS. I'm pretty sure it is available factory-direct for ~$250.

There's a school of thought that says that phono stage is more critical than cartridge. I agree. Like Avideo, I have a Monolithic Phono Stage. Many say it's the best phono stage under $1K...Greg and Dusty know how to combine their talents and are able to produce budget components that are unbelievably musical.

If you insist on a Music Hall, I suggest you buy used. You could do much better for your money, though...

P/A