I'm with ZD542! Bryston has never been known for their phono stages. Bryston made their name making amplifiers then moved on to the whole range of products. But since you have taken the Bryston plunge I would stick with it. The Bryston products are nice. Schubert have you ever heard the Manley Labs Chinook phono pre? Its not $500 tho. The phono pre is the gateway to great vinyl playback. Regards
Matt
Matt