Why is it that?

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.

I do it both ways. I have both a full-function preamplifier (Atma-sphere MP1) and an outboard phono stage (revamped Silvaweld SWH550). I use the MP1 for LOMC and the Silvaweld for MM/MI. So I am not as dogmatic as I may have sounded. Nevertheless, given my 'druthers, I'll take the full-function preamplifier. It has to be top-notch in quality, however. I sense the Silvaweld is at a disadvantage, because it requires a cathode-follower output section in order to drive the IC that connects it to the linestage section of the MP1. Plus you've got to more connectors in the signal path. However, there is room on heaven and earth for both approaches.

JC Gold phono board in the AI is most likely the same daughter board they've been using for years. To find out, do a visual comparison or ask John Curl. I wouldn't trust any other opinion especially the manufacturer.

IMO SUTs are band-aids that ad more connections to an already delicate signal. In this case…

["ZU/DL-103 PHONO PREAMP MATCHING

The nominal output voltage of the Zu/DL-103 Mk.II is 0.3mV and the nominal internal impedance per channel is about 45 ohms. We recommend running a step-up transformer for moving magnet phono preamps. A step-up transformer is not required for phono preamps that have a moving coil (MC) setting, setting your impedance between 80 – 200 ohms. Even so, you should consider a Bob’s Devices 1131 or similar."]