Another one to consider that definitely flies under the radar are the DB Systems units. David Hadaway of DB Systems sells direct; a distinct advantage of this is that he can modify (at time of order, or later) if you need changes to gain, or perhaps want to add a very basic subsonic filter, things like that.
An older review of the MC version which sells for $190 is here:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/weaver10.htmThe MM version sells for $165. There is no version that does both MM/MC; it's one or the other. Neither version has any subsonic/rumble filter. I have used both versions, the MC in my own system with a Michell Gyro/Sumiko Premier FT3 and both Ortofon MC 20 Super and Denon 103R, and the MM version in a system I put together for my son using a Pioneer PL 12D with an AT 120E.
If you have ported speakers or a system that is prone to subsonic/rumble issues, Hadaway can very simply modify either stage for about $5-$10 at time of order. I did this with the MM version in use in my son's system; end result is that the stage is down I believe 6 db at 28 Hz which is certainly no problem with my son's system. In my own system I used the KAB rumble filter, which is a much better device, but about $160. Hadaway has his own rumble filter which is also in this price range.
I have no experience with the Project Phono Box II. I did, however, have an original basic Project Phono Box which I bought used (certainly easy to re-sell those at no loss when you buy used!) before acquiring the DB MM version used. There was literally no comparison-the DB Systems made the Project sound like it was playing through 2 or 3 wet blankets and is still in use in my son's system.
I upgraded the DB MC stage in my system to an Aqvox about a year ago and still have that stage (modified to provide 62 db of gain into a 100 ohm load). Another user of that stage (DB MC) felt that it was quite a bit better than the Black Cube which used to receive lots of accolades and sold, I believe, in the $400-500 range.
Neither of these phono stages look like much, and they have poor resale because of low name recognition, but they deliver the goods, particularly when matched with decent ancillary equipment and used with good (not necessarily expensive, but good) cabling.
