@asp307 Agreed that moving from a 2.5K integrated to a 3.5k pre-amp connected to a 3.5K amp *should* make a considerable difference, but in this "hobby" I’ve found that dollar-based logic doesn’t always work out the way you’d expect it to. Still, I reserve judgement till I can hear it (the proof of the pudding, etc. etc.).
BTW, the RP7 does of course get you the XLR connections you're looking for, but it's more expensive. Have you checked out the new Rogue phono pre-amp, which does have XLRs?