best phono preamps?

Interesting in theory, but then why my phonopreamps sound much clearer direct connected to the MC 275 than via the ARC LS 25 MKII ? Is it a linepreamp that is not well engineerd?

If you have separates, then the phono stage will usually have to incorporate a low impedance output stage, to make the unit compatible with a variety of linestages and so it can drive the cable itself. This means adding a cathode-follower (if tubes) or an emitter-follower (if solid state), an additional active device in the pathway, not to mention the sonic effect of the cable itself that Atmasphere and Raul mention. Cathode followers are problematic devices that inevitably add a touch of coloration, unless very carefully designed and implemented with an associated constant current source, etc. Why bother, when you can have it all on one chassis so the phono signal only has to go an inch or two to reach the linestage? The main potential advantage of separates is that it is easier to implement completely separate power supplies for each section, but this can also be achieved in well conceived all-in-one preamps, by using a separate PS chassis.

Jloveys, I do not like to make statements about a competitor's gear.

Well, in theory why have any separates at all? I mean a completely integrated source/amp/speaker so there are no cables anywhere. ;-)

In all honesty, I reserve the right to change my position if I ever get a chance to spend time with a full function Alaap in my system. Then I could really pick up on any differences in topology in a very controlled situation. However, as I make more and more changes/improvements to my system I have yet to find a point where I cannot hear more from the signal coming through my components. I haven't found any limit yet.

On the flip side, there is great benefit to me to be able to leave those other 6 tubes off if I'm just spinning CDs. I also opted for dual, stepped attenuators and no remote. This is why I think we have to look at the whole picture and not just concentrate on this one aspect. The more I learn in this hobby, the fewer absolutes I accept.

Many years ago I had the priviledge of attending the CES in Chicago- not to see all the latest gadgets, although the Sony HDTV demo was very impressive (the year was 1989). The scene was at the hotel across the street- Hifi audio equipment demonstrations set-up in hotel rooms on 3-4 floors. Music floated down the halls. All of the variations of equipment and sounds were overwhelming after a while. I wish I would have had a chance to go back with a notebook. The contrasts were remarkable- some rooms with set-ups that looked impressive sounded so-so while some rooms with modest looking (but not cheap) set-ups were so incredibly musical. That toe-tapping, involved in the music sound is what I have sought ever since.

Frankly, integrated phono preamps sound best to me for records but older ones seem to color CD's as line level preamps. A no compromise system might require two seperate preamps for analog and digital. Maybe I just never heard the right combinations, but seperate phono preamps had the right sound technically, highs/lows/openess/detail, but just were sterile and uninspiring.

I lack the prose of some to describe how music sounds in a particular system. But I can say that when the system is right, my toes just start tapping.