Thanks for the advice guys! Is getting one with a built in phono stage much better than going separate? I thought the difference in price would be such that I could probably afford a good separate instead.
Stephen.
Well that depends, it depends on what separate phono stage you get. Eric (MRHP on Carverforum) is using the Project Tube Box SE II with a Sunfire Pre and he is very happy.
As you said, you do not have a T/T at the moment, so why spend the cash you do not have, getting a Sunfire Pre with Phono Stage as you might not ever purchase a T/T.
I have tried a Audiomat Phono Stage (solid state $1700.00) and it does sound quieter than the Sunfire Phono Stage, but does not have the warmth of the Sunfire Phono Stage.
The beauty of having a separate Phono Stage is you can upgrade it any time you want.
I personally like the built in Sunfire Phono Stage, but I have a couple of buddies who do not.
Yes the Sunfire Pre with Phono Stage do come up from time to time, but as Tom has said you have to be ready to purchase right away
and they are not cheap when they are a full load model.
BTW. are you in Argentina yet ?
Brian