I just did this. Went from using a Classe cp-60 with internal phonoboard and ca-200 amp and went to a tube integrated with an external tube phono preamp. The internal phono card in the classe preamp was expensive and just so so compared to external phono preamps for around the same price. A separate phono pre allows you to upgrade this piece instead of replacing the preamp.
Separates w/internal phono vs Integrated + phono
Given the same amount of money say $8-10k what is the better way to go? Separates with an internal phono or an integrated with a stand alone phono? Anyone done reasonable comparisons, is it just trade offs or is there a clear winner? A really good phono can make a huge difference but can it fully shine through an integrated?