Optimizing HT setup for Analog: Where to begin?

Greg - on the TT setup:  I have both the AT440/OCC and Denon DL-110 cart that I swap out.  I upgraded the feet a while back too.  The puffin is interesting with it's analog -> dsp -> analog processing.  In the end though, I don't really like to fiddle with things.  My next phono stage will likely be something from bottlehead.  My quarantine project was one of their headphone amps and I'm very impress with the build quality and sound.

On the topic of placement and room treatments - I don't have many options here - the room is multipurpose.  The good thing is that it's a carpeted and fully finished basement, but I know I can do better.    

Good luck to find a good integrated amp. with HT bypass for
1500$ .

Hegel H190  , used , may be the closest priced  integrated amp. with HT bypass .
From owners manual : 
´´  HT
Most inputs can be configured to act as a Home Theater input. This will set the input volume at a fixed high volume level. ´´

Just curious - will the Phono stage in some of the integrates be better than the puffin?  Parasound P6, Peachtree Nova150/300/500, etc.  

And also, what's the difference between HT Bypass and a good 2amp/1speaker switchbox?  Aren't these functionally the same?