Upgrading to an external Phonostages for my system

 It does have a phono stage but I believe there is better phono stages / preamps that would provide even better sound. 

Eventually, I will move up from the HK990.  By having a stand alone Phono Stage I'll have more choices from which to pick. In the future I want to move away from an integrated amp.  As I understand it's best to have an exterenal Phono Preamp anyway.

I may sound dumb but what is "YMMV" Been trying to figure it out.
  

The Allnic, Modwright, Herron, and Manley Chinook all have rave reviews. However they are out of my price range. If I was going to spend $4000 to $5000 I would probably do as jmcgrogan2 suggested and get a better integrated amp.

I’m looking to top out at $1500. Riffer, I’ll read up on the Trigon Vangurad / Volcano comb.

Other stages that have been recommended are the Sutherland 20/20, Audio Research PH6, Ear834p, Jolida Jd9mkLll, Musical Surrounds Nova Phonomena. The Musical Surrounds can be run off of batteries that it charges when not in use. I wonder if that makes a big difference?

So I made a decision and picked a Herron VTPH-1 mm. I took your advice bpoletti and found one at a great price. I was considering the Manely Chinook, Allnic -1201, and the sunderland 20-20 but for the money I think I made the right choice. Lot's of anticipation here!

I'll let you know how it sounds once I get it into my system.

Thanks to all of you for your insightful suggestions and advice.  

Audiogon forum is only as good as those that participate and you guys represent extremely well. 

Thanks

Update

I've had the Herron VTPH-1mm in my system for about a month and a half. The improvement of the overall sound over the Harman Kardon on board phono stage was immediate and dramatic. (Not that the HK phono stage was bad.)

I'm very happy with this purchase… the cost to sound improvement value ratio is excellent.

Now onto the next step in my search for music listening nirvana.