Any integrated's phono that can compete with $2.5k - $3k outboard one ?

Reubent, 
It is not that what I have is bad. I have original Redgum RGi120 integrated , 120 good watts/ch, and Acoustech phono which is also quite good. I am just thinking of different possible upgrade paths. I also have Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm front end.

Check out the Vac 160i.  Outstanding phono stage.   The Diablo would also be very good.

I also heard good things about Octave V70SE and V80SE but heard nothing about their phono.
Does VAC have tape-out, I record from vinyl?

Any integrated's phono that can compete with $2.5k - $3k outboard one ?

Not from my experiences, and I have owned a VAC 160iSE.
I would call the phono stage decent at best.
The inboard on the VAC was easily beaten by a Allnic H1201 outboard.

The phono section of both the Atma-Sphere MP-3 and EAR-Yoshino 868.