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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
audionoobie

Showing 2 responses by ihcho

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
Try Allnic H1202. 
It will work quite well with $500 ~ $1000 MM or MC cartridges.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 

I did not notice much difference between phono preamps and cartridges until I had much better amp, preamp, and speakers. 

So, cartridge is important, phono preamp is important, as many people said, but if the rest are not as revealing, upgrading cartridge or phono preamp won't do much improvement to the overall sound.

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