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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
128x128audionoobie

Showing 1 response by nandric

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
The right question should be about carts ouput. Not so much relevenant for MM kinds but well for MC kinds. By those
there are: low output , mid output and high output kinds.
In order to reduce the moving mass the real possibility
is to reduce windings of coil wire. Cantilevers and styli are
in general pretty light. Not much to ''reduce'' this way.
The low output kinds are phono-pre  sensitive. Either
 (expensive) phono- pres ( + 69 dB) or SUT's. There is
 no 3th posibility. 
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