Separate Phono Pre - $$ before I will hear a SIGNIFICANT difference vs. integrated?

I’m using the 7220PE as my Pre-Amp at the moment. Power Amp section bypassed. This supposedly also lets the Pre section work better, because the single internal power supply should never "break a sweat" driving the pre-amp section.

Supposedly - the Phono Section of these older NADs is "near legendary" (at least for one that is built-into an integrated amp) PLUS it was designed in the days when Vinyl still reigned...

SPEAKERS = ELAC Uni-Fi UB5
Augmented with Goldenear Amplified Sub

POWER AMP = Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 3
Has Balanced Inputs (although granted, NOT a "fully-balanced" Circuit Design)
I’ve got enough relatively clean power on-tap to drive almost anything
[Some claim that this amp leans a tad to the "bright" side of neutral, so maybe a Pre that lands a hair to the "warm" side may be a good match?]

I’m NOT a big believer in "exotic" Wire and Fuses. I AM a FIRM believer in solid, quality connections.

My Unbalanced Interconnects (ALL current interconnects) are presently Mogami Bulk types and Speaker Cables are #12AWG Belden.

If I go with the PS Audio Stellar Gain Cell (Line Stage with decent built-in DACT), I may add their new Stellar Phono Amp later. [It sounds like they "sweated the details" for a good product at a less-than-insane price.]

My guess is that in the meantime - something like the Stellar Gain Cell with a Schiit Mani will probably STILL sound better than what I am currently using. [For CERTAIN with Line-Level / Digital Sources with room to further improve Phono source later if I so choose.]

Or, I could go with the Emotiva XSP-1, which has a "Decent" built-in phono stage that could be abandoned and upgrated later with a Separate for that part.

Elliott -

If one is a COLLECTOR and/or into "Vintage" recordings [Pre-1950's mono etc.] - that's where I would be looking for a restored (or restore it myself) H-K Citation I tube pre-amp.  THAT baby incorporated a switch to let you select about 5 different EQ Curves [RIAA, LP, COLUMBIA, RCA Roll-Off : 0/RCA, 4/FFRR, 10.5/OLD LON, 12/COLUMBIA, 14/RIAA, 16/LP]  It's on my list..

HOWEVER - For now; I am looking for something more modern and weighing the option of a Pre-Amp with built-in Phono vs. Line-Stage and separate Phono Pre (start with an affordable one and upgrade later because if I go this route - I cannot "bite-off" the funding of two relatively expensive units at once.)

Thanks, "elizabeth7" -

I never really thought of that.
But if I were to go the "Tubey" route - then, SEPARATE Line Stage and Phono REALLY makes sense, so as to save hours on the Phono Tubes when they are not being used (I currently listen to CD / other Digital sources most of the time and Phono is occasional use when I'm "In the mood" [when wife is out-of-town and I set-up the phono....])  ;-)

Solid State = not such a big deal, as the idle power used by a S.S. phono stage is "bupkis"