Thanks a million for the input everyone. I've been doing a lot of reading based on your suggestions. The Sutherland Little Loco (MK2) has my interest. It appears the connectivity issues have been simplified, and the sound quality and simplicity (no loading requirement) are universally praised. Now if I can get Solidsteel to send me a new custom shelf from Italy, I'll be good to go. Nowhere to put it!!
Do I need a phono preamp?
So about 2 years ago, I got the vinyl bug in a big way, particularly jazz (Blue Note especially). I started with a Technics SL1210GR table (before I got the bug) and frankly, it's done good service, but I've decided to upgrade to the SL1200G. I have a range of carts, from an MM Ortofon Blue to a high output MC AT-art9xi (additional cart reco's are welcomed!). I have Revel Performa 228's, one Rythmik sub, a McIntosh MC312 amp, and a McIntosh C53 preamp. The C53 is known to have a pretty darn good phono-pre for an all-in-one solution, and my listening experience supports that. It's hard for me to imagine it could be vastly improved (I realize this is likely mistaken).
My question is simple, and one you've heard countless times before---am I doing a disservice to the system without a separate phone-pre? If so, recommendations please ($3,000 +/-). Btw, I'm under the impression that the cart is more important to the choice of a phono-pre than the table, so your thoughts on that would also be appreciated.
Thanks!