Phono input of 990 has very respectable performance out of turntable. I have two channel analog system different from my 990 setup (Musical Fidelity and Rega Planar 3), the vinyl sound from 990 is very close to this setup. The gain can be little higher but I have no problem reaching desired volume level. It is kind of rare to see phono input from surround sound pre/pro and on top of that 990 has very capable vinyl sound. I can easily live with 990 as only music system in the house. There are still many budget minded audiophile quality turntables out there like Regar, Music Hall, Pro-ject just to name a few. Good luck.