Tradeoffs of external phono stages?

If you want the best possible sound, then separates. If you are looking for cost effective, then combined. The two worlds of objectives are worlds apart. This is an easy choice.

The highest level components separate each stage and component. So high end components will be monoblocks amps (or even 4 box… two power supplies and two amp sections), the very best preamps are generally two box… the power supply separate from the preamp circuits. Each stage of consolidation reduces cost and fidelity. For those interested in cost effective… they choose the integrated solutions… for those interested in the best possible sound, then lots of boxes.

I have owned a great integrated preamp late 1970’s Audio Research, then in the ‘80s moved to a separate Phonostage,.. then up the quality of separate phono stage that Audio Research offered until their current Reference 3SE phono stage ($17K)… completely worth the money… what it makes my Linn LP12 / Koetsu sound like. I want the best possible sound… I am getting it.

Separates.

You can’t pack a $3k phono stage into a $3k pre.

I thought my system was great until I got a good dedicated phono stage.

All my records were like remasters!

Phono stage is the heart of your vinyl system.

My phono stage (Modwright PH9.0) cost more than my amp.

Is it cost effective? No.  I'm betting it sounds better than most on board stages.

I have a Modulus 3 from 20 years back and a while back I was curious to see if they were still in business. They are in business and will upgrade the 3 to m.c. and you can trade in an old 3 for a 3b. Not suggesting that you do this, but the Audible Illusion 3 sure has legs.

What tubes do you use ? With better tubes your old trusty preamp with phono stage might sound much better. Also, power cord and interconnects. I would not rush to replace what you have unless you exhausted its potential.

You could in addition to the above buy some inexpensive used phono stage, say, older Allnic or Manley and compare it to your AI phono. But the cables and cords should be good or you might get wrong results. And tubes.

But yeah, others said it, ideally separate is better.

Or EAR phono stage.

External phono stages can offer some improvements, depending on which one, but they also introduce another set of cables that can increase capacitance and change the impedance characteristics a bit.

Thanks for the informative responses, all. It sounds budget dependent. The more desirable phono stages seem to start around $1K used or new, but with the investment in a line stage, the total may be a bit higher than what I'll want to spend. For reference, there is a used Rogue Magnum 99 with MM phone stage on sale at The Music Room for $1400 - what would that amount of money get you in separates, even used? An interesting idea might be to get a nice separate phono stage and use the very affordable diy Pass designed B1 line stage: https://diyaudiostore.com/collections/kits/products/korg-nutube-b1.  It uses a SMPS. But I already have a Pass designed component in my system (active crossover) that uses a SMPS, and it's transparent to my ears.

I'm using NOS matsushita tubes in the Modulus. They're not a first choice for the Modulus (runs tubes hard) but I haven't had any problems with them and they sound great. I use lundahl MC transformer in a home made case.

Alex, I have had an Audible Illusions preamp refurbished by Technetron Electrics in NYC. They offered me 2 options, one around $700, the other just under $1k. I chose the cheaper option but when I got it back, it sounded so good I wish I had gone for the more expensive one. If you still have it give them a call, they can fix it. Phone # 212 725 8778 Good Luck, Ron Bufford