Maybe it's a bit too late for this but audioXpress mag did
an article on the low end phono preamps. The battery-driven
ones were preferred and a get-by one that I thought of getting
myself is a special order from Radio Shack online. Cost is
$25 on the RS. Next jump up is about $50 and assembly required.

The Radio Shack part number is 970-1018. The Hagerman Bugle is $50
in kit form and can be seen at www.hagtech.com. The Recoton is
reviewed as the TCC TC-400/Recoton SP2.