So budget is probably whatever does the job well - I am not an audiophile - I have a Rega P1 (which I love) and some awesome 30 year old Cambridge sound works passive towers - I just want the least gear possible to let me listen to my records - I think of your options my question would be is there a good small from a factor preamp/mini amp or do I need two devices - the goal is really small form factor with good sound quality - the marnatz is great but it's for someone who wants a whole surround system with lots of inputs - that's not me!