The reason is, as stated, the analog stage. This is true of every dac. The chip is perhaps the least significant difference between various sources. The analog stage is everything.
I think you want the phono stage as close to the turntable as possible, as that's where you have the lowest level signal, so noise has the greatest chance of causing problems.
The point is, of course, that it's SF, so nothing is cheap, unless it's dangerous
Best bet is either find a friend to stay with, or stay out in chico, and drive in
If you regularly have wifi access, the ipod touch is a great compromise. Visual voicemail is a great feature, but not essential. Google voice simulates it really well
You think they sound like ass and you gave them an 8/10? Ah, missed the caveat. n/m
Anyway, less formal, more informal participation here and you'll be fine