Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots to investigate.

I assumed when buying my 562V with phono, that the limitation was all due to the A to D to A conversion going on. I also assumed that as the phono stage was Meridian, it would be as good as was needed. Oh well!

The Sansui 222 Mk2 that I have was going to be replaced because it has this fault that when you switch it off on the deck switch, after about a couple of minutes, it mysteriously starts turning again!!! And I assumed the deck was the problem with the sound.

I think what I might do now however, is to try a seperate phono with the Sansui deck to start off with, just to see if I can hear any difference between that and the Sansui through the 562V + Meridian phono stage and go from there.

Having said that, if anyone knows of a combo that costs less than �500 that would be worthwhile considering, let me know!

Lounge: DSP5000 x 4, DSP5000C, 561M, 598, 504, 2 x M&K v850 Subs, Sony Blueray, Samsung 4K 58"

Attic: 565z3, 500, 562V, Logitech SB Touch, Audiolab 8000 Q+ 2 x 8000Ms, Rega Planar 3, Michell Mycro, Thorens 165 tuned and modified, various cartridges, various tonearms, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE, Fanfare, B&W CDM7SEs, Rogers LS55 modified...so far.