@kittenbits - Good luck. I hope you find something that suits you. I would be leery of any of the new HT receivers as a front end for your analog-only (FM radio and phono) system as they have a whole bunch of circuitry that contributes nothing to your needs (and likely detracts, even if the button says "direct"). I have yet to hear an HT receiver that had a good FM tuner or sounded worth a darn for 2-channel listening.
I still recommend a pre-amp/tuner combo, for simplicity, if you can find one. It doesn't have any circuitry you don't need. Nice and simple, analog only, and nothing you don't need or want.
A separate pre-amp and tuner would be my next choice.
If you are going to try a receiver, buy a 2-channel stereo receiver (with pre-outs) and not an HT receiver. Too much un-necessary circuitry to either go bad and take out the whole receiver, or detract from your analog-only needs. If you insist on a relatively modern HT receiver, don't pay more than $50 - $100. Your not going to use any of the stuff that makes them expensive.
I still recommend a pre-amp/tuner combo, for simplicity, if you can find one. It doesn't have any circuitry you don't need. Nice and simple, analog only, and nothing you don't need or want.
A separate pre-amp and tuner would be my next choice.
If you are going to try a receiver, buy a 2-channel stereo receiver (with pre-outs) and not an HT receiver. Too much un-necessary circuitry to either go bad and take out the whole receiver, or detract from your analog-only needs. If you insist on a relatively modern HT receiver, don't pay more than $50 - $100. Your not going to use any of the stuff that makes them expensive.