Should I buy a phono-pre or Creek phono board?

I mention it in part because when I bought the phono board for my Rowland Capri, because I liked it. I was shocked at how seemingly small and simple it was. It was relatively inexpensive and sounded great

No brainer to me. Plug-in, one less box, fewer cables, most likely optimized for your amp.

30 years ago, you got the phono preamp for free when you purchased your preamp, integrated, or receiver.

Like every other outboard (what they were called back in the day), the expense has grown astronomically for what you get.

Rich

Thanks everyone!

I think that I should buy the Creek plugin. It has decent specs and I can pop it in for $200. I'm sure it's decent if not great for the money.

I agree: why can't they pop these in for the $2k of the amp? I suppose this is the modern, new world economy we live in. And, fewer people buying product in the hifi world means economies of scale are harder for manufacturers to realize.

I will post a review once I do it. It may take a month or so.

Thanks!

Ebm,
Another nonsensical response. Congratulations.

@Roxy54

I agree that Ebm response is not clear. I cannot tell if she/he is saying, "hey, you are cheaping out and not thinking about sound quality," or "don't overthink this whole thing, just get it because it inexpensive and going to be just fine for your needs."