I have the Renaissance Mk 1 with phono. I always thought the phono stage was bland and lacking dynamic expression. Initially, I was using mm cartridges. Then went to high output moving coil cartridge always using the mm input. I went through a couple of outboard units, Musical Surroundings, and a Vacuum State Jlti which I preferred over the VAC phono.
A year or so ago I decided to give the VAC another chance. I found that a lot of break in time was required. As a guess around 60 to 70 hours at which point I preferred it to the Jlti. Then I went to a low output cartridge and the whole process with the moving coil input needed to repeated.
I still swap in the Jlti every so often but overall I would rate the VAC phono as being very good.
So, if the line stage you auditioned did not have the phono stage broken in, you did not hear its full capability.
Buy the phono stage within your preamp. I don't think you will be ultimately disappointed. It is likely you will be less than satisfied at first.
Btw I am using VAC supplied tubes.
A year or so ago I decided to give the VAC another chance. I found that a lot of break in time was required. As a guess around 60 to 70 hours at which point I preferred it to the Jlti. Then I went to a low output cartridge and the whole process with the moving coil input needed to repeated.
I still swap in the Jlti every so often but overall I would rate the VAC phono as being very good.
So, if the line stage you auditioned did not have the phono stage broken in, you did not hear its full capability.
Buy the phono stage within your preamp. I don't think you will be ultimately disappointed. It is likely you will be less than satisfied at first.
Btw I am using VAC supplied tubes.