Upgrading to an external Phonostages for my system

(I'm posting, therefore, this comment must be about the Herron Audio phono stages.) 

I personally own and have heard NOTHING better at any price than the Herron VTPH-2.  To my ears, it is not bettered by any phono stage, though I admit I have not heard the Allnic.  Nor have I heard the latest ARC reference phono stage.  Previous ARCs I've heard didn't beat the VTPH-2.

As a second choice, the Herron Audio VTPH-1.  They are available on the used market at a steal based on their performance. 

A call to Keith Herron might uncover a bargain.  He sometimes takes VTPH-1s in trade.  Getting a used VTPH-1 that has been refurbed and upgraded by Keith Herron is probably the best deal on the market today. 

I agree with adding an external phono stage to your set-up.  The HK is a good integrated.  However, with rare exception (like the Croft Phono Integrated) the phono stages in 2K integrated amps simply don't compare to a good external phono pre.  I love my Manley Chinook and can also recommend the Croft mentioned in a previous post and the Heed Quasar.  I've heard all three and they will all be a huge step up in sound.  I second the concerns about the Jolida - good sounding unit but way too much gain.  

Good luck, Scott

Much good but conflicting advise above, so I'm not going into a specific recommendation, but want to raise a couple of concerns that you want to address with whichever you choose.

- Low level phono signals are much more susceptible to environment noise from radio frequency interference(RFI), EMI, etc. If you live near radio or cell towers, etc. fighting noise is often a huge battle with phono playback. Solid state phono stages are generally much quieter than tube in such environments. Many tube-aholics have concluded that even with tube amps & preamps, the most practical solution is a solid state phono stage. Tube phono stages require the lowest noise tubes and often carefully matched pairs(i.e. often rare, expensive or both)

- Matching of each of these is important, so read up!:
a) tonearm compliance with cartridge
b) cartridge output with phono stage gain
c) cartridge impedance loading with phono stage options(or lack thereof) 

This stuff doesn't come easily without much study, so take your time or find someone you trust who can guide you through it. Most of all, trust your ears and try to listen to as much gear as you can if opportunity allows. If not, go slow, buy used so depreciation doesn't kill you, and then treat your purchases as long demoes. Cheers,
Spencer

Another vote for the herron. I too have heard nothing better at any price. Some that may be just as good but nothing better. If I were looking in the price range you were I would get a bottlehead Eros kit. That's what I would buy if I didn't already have a herron. The kits are super easy to assemble with a support group if you need help. I bought a beepre preamp for 1300$ and with a few mods it is the best I've heard. It replaced a 7k retail vacuum state which is well regarded. Plus the pride in ownership cannot be overlooked. And you will learn a little on the way. 

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