If you want separates and not integrated, yeah, get the amp you like and then work your way up the chain. I would probably but not necessarily prefer good integrated with the phono in this case. What are your speakers? You will want to replace your phono and cartridge real soon, I guess.
How important is the preamp?
Hi,
I have been slowly working towards a decent system. I have a pair of 1.6 Maggies and an Ariston Audio turntable from the '70s with SME series III tonearm and Grado Red cartridge with a Parasound PPH 100 preamp. I had been using a Marantz 5200 receiver and also a basic Panasonic DVD/CD player. I decided it was time to get a better amplifier and am trying out a Classe CA 201 power amp. I wanted to hold off for a little while before getting a preamp so I am using the Marantz as a preamp. I love the way CDs are sounding but am a bit underwhelmed as far as my vinyl is concerned. Any suggestions please?
I have been slowly working towards a decent system. I have a pair of 1.6 Maggies and an Ariston Audio turntable from the '70s with SME series III tonearm and Grado Red cartridge with a Parasound PPH 100 preamp. I had been using a Marantz 5200 receiver and also a basic Panasonic DVD/CD player. I decided it was time to get a better amplifier and am trying out a Classe CA 201 power amp. I wanted to hold off for a little while before getting a preamp so I am using the Marantz as a preamp. I love the way CDs are sounding but am a bit underwhelmed as far as my vinyl is concerned. Any suggestions please?