Biggest impact: moving from integrated to separates

Awesome! Thanks for letting us know.

I would suggest, though, that you follow up with him by asking what the output impedance of the variable output is. Assuming that the "variable output" is in fact an output, that output impedance will be seen as a load by whatever line stage you connect to it. Which in turn could very conceivably result in an impedance match with the line stage you end up choosing that is very non-optimal from a sonic standpoint. Especially if the line stage you choose has a coupling capacitor at its output, as most tube-based line stages and at least a few solid state line stages do.

Also, when and if you use this approach I would suggest having the CM’s input select switch set to something other than phono. And in addition it would probably be a good idea to put shorting plugs on the selected input, to avoid the possibility that RFI/EMI pickup might cause the CM’s line stage to sum a low level "signal" together with the intended signal. If you search at eBay for "RCA shorting plug" (without the quotes) you’ll find many such things at very low prices.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

@almarg great thanks! I'll follow up with Rogue on the points raised. I currently have the CM in the Aux 1 input as I am using an external phono pre. 

@almarg FYI- the input impedance of the CM amp section is 100K.  

Why do you think going to separates is going to up the SQ? I had a pair of Classe separates then moved to the rogue Cronus magnum 2 with the kt120 tubes. I liked the move except the Cronus caused some flabby/not controlled bass. So I move to a Hegel h100 which was nice but not enough power, so in months, I bought a new Hegel h300 and this met my goals. I got this new at $3000 which I think the Hegel would beat any $3000 with of separates. Btw: you also have to include the cost of a IC connecting the preamp to an amp which could cost 100’s of $$$

I have heard cheap separates that sound profoundly better than  integrated cost no object componet's.