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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 cakyol

cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
If your cartridge is NOT good enough, it will not make a difference.

If your cartridge IS good enough, any phono amp over $1000 will NOT make a difference.  You will not hear any difference. 

Spend about $1000 MAX for a cartridge and maybe at most another $500 MAX for your phono amp and you will be set.

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