I would really encourage you to try the auto speaker set up. I'm not sure what program Rotel uses but in most instances the auto set up does a good job of equalizing your system to the room.

I've used a Creek and found it to be a good performer, I had to spend a lot more to get an appreciable improvement. If Pro-Ject designs their phono stages to match their tables there could be some synergy by staying with same brand.