FWIW, I found the Camelot Technology Lancelot phonostage (a solid state battery powered unit that sells new for around $900) to best the all-tube internal one in my C-J PV8.
Opinion of budget phono preamps?
Is there a consensus on the comparison of a budget phono pre vs the built-in stage of a budget preamp. Was considering something like an Adcom 565 or a CJ PV10 rather than a standalone Rotel, Creek, etc. Also considering a DIY AES PH-1, which might be best of both worlds. Whaddya think?