Help with phono amp synergy

So I’ve got an Ayre AX-7e and a Rega RP8 with Apheta 2 cart. In terms of synergy concerns, should I be more concerned with matching a Rega Aria phono stage with TT or an Ayre stage with the integrated? I know the Ayre phono is a step up price-wise, but I’d like to know how to think about what I may or may not be sacrificing with either decision. I’ve only heard the Aria (and liked it a lot), not the Ayre phono amp, but I know the latter’s rep.

Or maybe I should ask it this way: How much SQ am I losing by running SE phono output into the Ayre? People talk like the SE output on the Ayre turns it into a pretty average amp.

Thanks for your wisdom ...