Why is it that?

Stereo5,

Sorry about that. From your post, it looked to me that your preamp was over 20 years old. I don't really follow the model numbers close enough to pick that up. Now I see your issue. It may very well make sense to go with a SUT. I still wouldn't lock myself into one, though. You may want to give The Cable Company a call. They should have some phono preamps and SUT's t lend you so that you can try them in your system first. I use them all the time for this type of thing.

Dear Zd,
The debate over "separates" vs full-function preamplifiers is a never-ending one, but suffice to say that there are many advantages to an all in one unit vs separate phono and linestages and vice-versa. But why would you expect "better synergy" and saving money to be advantages associated with separates over an all in one preamplifier? Most assuredly, those would be points in favor of the latter choice. Two more advantages are avoiding purchase and use of a costly, signal degrading interconnect, and the fact that a separate phono stage usually needs a buffer stage to drive said interconnect. The very short internal signal wires used in a full-function preamp to connect its phono section to its linestage can often be implemented in such a way as to avoid a buffer stage.

An interesting yet stimulating conundrum, indeed. " My preamp is an Audible Illusions Modulus 3B (their latest and greatest)" Contact AI directly. Ditch the 3b for the 4a or upgrade your backup AI3a to the AI4a (minus the JC board) then implement a top tier external phono stage. Enjoy immensely.

When did AI come out with the 4A? I see no mention of it on their site.

Lewm,

I tend to agree with what you are saying. As I stated in my last post, my comments were based on me being under the impression that the OP had a 23 year old preamp. With regards to the cost/synergy issue, I gave an example of the DV cart and phono pre. I just think its a good example of how to get great sound at a reasonable cost. Personally, I feel that there is probably an advantage to having 1 company make both products; definitely in terms of synergy, and possibly cost. You have to really take it on a case by case basis.

"But why would you expect "better synergy" and saving money to be advantages associated with separates over an all in one preamplifier?"

I wouldn't. Like I said above, you need to take it on a case by case basis. I probably wasn't clear about that, though. I was just referring to something like the DV combo I used as an example.

"Two more advantages are avoiding purchase and use of a costly, signal degrading interconnect, and the fact that a separate phono stage usually needs a buffer stage to drive said interconnect. The very short internal signal wires used in a full-function preamp to connect its phono section to its linestage can often be implemented in such a way as to avoid a buffer stage."

On this last part, we may have a real disagreement. I try not to lock myself in to general statements like this. For me, it all depends on what the equipment is and how it sounds. If it means doing it the above way that you suggest, that's OK. But if I think another way sounds better, that's OK too. I would venture to say that you may agree with me on that last statement, but I won't put words in your mouth.