Agreed on Road Fan's noting the "mid-range" comment. My wife and I just returned from a nice forty miler. I took my Merckx, she chose her Primato. If a Merckx Century is mid-range, is a Primato also so? At any rate, just order up a Record or 600 headset from your favorite vendor/LBS. This will solve the issue promptly. You really can't miss with these choices.

edit: I just noticed your $50 limit, so do what I do. No fancy coffee for a week or two! Voila, cash.