ARC SP8 as Phono Stage


Thanks to an A'gon transaction, an LS17 should be arriving in the near future to replace my SP8. So one simple question, and one subjective one:

The easy question (really looking for confirmation): I would like to use my SP8 as a phono stage, while letting the bank account rebuild, and then watch A'gon to see if an ARC PH5 appears. I believe that if I connect the line-outs from my SP8 to the phono-ins on the LS17, that will effectively use the SP8 as a phono stage, correct?

Subjective: Would anyone venture what level phono stage I would need to better the SP8-as-phono set-up? In other words, would virtually any dedicated phono stage be better, or would I need a $1K stage to better the SP8, etc. (if I don't go the PH5 route)?
palewin

Showing 1 response by stanwal

So the main output has 26 db more gain than the phono through tape out; will not this be made up by the gain in the line stage? I have used a tube pre in this manner and never had gain problems.