Phono amp question,

I have found that that even budget external preamps will out
perform many built in phono sections of most mainstream
integrated amps/receivers. Also, and most importantly, they
are much more quiet. Here is a simple test. Are you getting
any discernible hiss, before signal, from your speakers with
your current phono stage? I have used many budget models that
were very near silent even when ears were pressed against the
speakers. Once the needle meets the vinyl, the music will flow
much better emanating from a black background.

Your not talking a lot of money here - try one and hear for
yourself.