Upgrading to an external Phonostages for my system

You can get a Manley Chinook used for under $1500. Highly recommend this phono stage.....tons of loading options and of course some tube rolling. Good luck. 

New listing here!
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/phono-croft-acoustic-riaa-phono-stage-preamplifier-6879-2016-02-20...

WhestTWO.2

(I'm posting, therefore, this comment must be about the Herron Audio phono stages.) 

I personally own and have heard NOTHING better at any price than the Herron VTPH-2.  To my ears, it is not bettered by any phono stage, though I admit I have not heard the Allnic.  Nor have I heard the latest ARC reference phono stage.  Previous ARCs I've heard didn't beat the VTPH-2.

As a second choice, the Herron Audio VTPH-1.  They are available on the used market at a steal based on their performance. 

A call to Keith Herron might uncover a bargain.  He sometimes takes VTPH-1s in trade.  Getting a used VTPH-1 that has been refurbed and upgraded by Keith Herron is probably the best deal on the market today. 

I agree with adding an external phono stage to your set-up.  The HK is a good integrated.  However, with rare exception (like the Croft Phono Integrated) the phono stages in 2K integrated amps simply don't compare to a good external phono pre.  I love my Manley Chinook and can also recommend the Croft mentioned in a previous post and the Heed Quasar.  I've heard all three and they will all be a huge step up in sound.  I second the concerns about the Jolida - good sounding unit but way too much gain.  

Good luck, Scott