How should I upgrade? A new preamp with a phono stage or just a phono preamp?

We came across an old Conrad Johnson tube phono stage and even in stock form it sounds really good.  If you want the best sound you can from LP then you would be compromised to go with an all in one unit.  We repair and modify components and even the old Counterpoint preamps that we upgrade are not as good as the CJ as a stand alone unit.  The B&K is a basic good preamp but overall really nothing special.  Same goes for the AI which is typically hard on tubes and as a preamp is bettered by the Prima Luna tube preamp linestage.  

Happy Listening.

My $0.02 if you want a tube phono, go separate, unless you listen to vinyl all the time, you'll be putting hours on tubes for no reason. 

Also my 2 cents, the modulus is OLD and likely easily bettered. It wouldn't hurt to verify that input and output impedance between the two are actually compatible. Good luck 

Would recommend a separate Phono preamp. My experience with integrated Phono pre's is that's where they cut corners. Plus if you change cartridge or TT at some point you don't need to mess with your system's. pre amp. 

Good luck!

The Audible Illusions M3A is a fantastic unit. I owned one some years ago with the MM Phono stage. The lack of a remote control was the deal breaker at the time. The AI L3A/B has a remote yet no phono stage.

Chances are, you will not be disappointed in the M3A or B. For the money the M3A’s are going for, it is a steal!

I have always been rewarded by incorporating the highest quality preamp and separate phonostage I could afford. Used Audio Research and Conrad Johnson tubed preamps and phonostage are among the best made. Going backwards in time and buying the best you can afford will award you with great, natural sound.