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How much difference does a phono preamp really make?

Sorry for the noob question...

I have a Technics SL1200-GR turntable with two cartridges; a Denon DL110 and a Clearaudio Performer. I also have two phono stages; a Consonance PM6 and the internal phono stage in my Belles Aria integrated. 

To my ears, there is no discernable difference in sound between the two phono stages. 

I'm just wondering, if I went up to say a Clearaudio Smart Phono, or a Rogue, or even a GoldNote PH-10; would I be able to tell? How critical is a quality phono pre in analog sound reproduction?

Thanks,
Joe
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Showing 1 response by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,325 posts
 
IMO the phono stage is more important then the table or the cartridge. We did an experiment a few years back using a reference phono stage and a MM basic cartridge and a JC Penny TT (I believe CEC made it for JC Penny). We were all floored by the SQ yeah some noise but it was so beautiful we all laughed when we found out the TT was labeled JC Penny. I still pull it out on occasion just to prove it to people. That was using a reference quality phono stage. Never tried it with any other one.

We also just modified a Manley Steelhead preamp/phono and the new parts we installed also made a big improvement using the same mid-level TT. So the phono to us was a much bigger improvement then the TT would have been.

Our experiences, others may feel differently.

Happy Listening.
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