morb,

I would absolutely definately reccomend you try an outboard phono stage at the top end of your budget. Perhaps a graham slee.

Inbuilt phono stages vary from perfectly good to downright shocking... and you just never know!

I wouldnt reccomend taking anyone's word on this one, and would definately try an off board phono stage - it will show you if you are missing anything.

below you have a trichord dino (£250) rega phono, and new graham slee phono stages. Most shops will agree to sale or return on second hand goods aswell as new if you ask nicely IME.. and as long as you offer to pay for their p&p

http://www.emporiumhifi.com/Pages/ModernPages/Turntables.html