Separates w/internal phono vs Integrated + phono

I don't think it is a straightforward answer, you really have to look at the specific options that match your unique needs. You have to see what your budget will get you among the configurations you have to choose from. It may be better to skew the budget towards amplification vs. the phono, maybe a more even approach or integrated is better? It all depends.

I saw a thread on vinyl asylum where someone had compared a separate phono to the one in a shindo monbrison and thought that the stand-alone was a tad better but he could live with (forgo the expense) of the stand-alone. I myself am tempted to fund a better pre-amp with phono by selling my stand alone phono but we will see.

@Jmcgrogan2, what are you running these days? It seems like I recall you being into VAC?

I owned the VAC Avatar Super as well, it is indeed excellent. The new VAC integrated which I auditioned is very nice as well but more expensive at around $10K. I now have shindo separates which outperform the VAC (in many but not all ways) but I think that it's more likely related to system matching and synergy rather than separate vs. integrated.