I also am a big fan of the Manfrotto 410. I had the same experience as Ed--I initially purchased the larger 405 and I was somewhat disappointed in its rigidity. It does have a higher profile which could be the problem. I liked that it had larger knobs than the 410, but I found it less stable. So I've been happily using my 405 with a Linhof Master Technika and Technikardan.

It's a great head and hard to beat for the price. I really like the control that the gearing gives me.

I also have a Linhof 3-way leveling head, I think it's model number 3663. Sometimes they show up in or close to your price range, but usually they're a bit pricey. It's more solid than the Manfrotto and it's very compact, but I prefer the gearing on the Manfrotto.