Looking into to picking up one of these when one comes available. How do the phono stages in these two units compare? I like the idea of a good receiver, but phono sound is more important to me.
CA-1010 hands down.. With the 1010 you have cartridge loading settings to fine tune your cartridge. The CR doesn't have that option.
Also class"A" selection.
I know a couple of really hard core audio gear nuts who swore the CR-2020 had an exceptional phono section. Supposedly better than anything else you could find for the price, even in a dedicated phono pre.
My CR-2040 has MC and four MM cartridge loading settings though I have never tried the phono section.