I run a separate phono preamp through my RR2150 (Pro-Ject USB V), but only did so in order to be able to rip vinyl to my laptop. I think that the phono stage in this receiver sounds quite good and plan to switch back to it once done ripping my vinyl collection. As for low output, it has been my experience that the phono stage, regardless of system, always has a low,output than digital sources. I correct that with the volume knob!