Separate phono stages are a big improvement to built in phono stages for the same reason as power amp and pre amp are superior to a receiver.
Is a separate phono preamp worthwhile?
Hello all. First post (cherry) for me. Longtime reader.
I have a McIntosh MA8900 integrated with a Ortofon 2M Black for vinyl playback. I'm using the MM input and I'm generally satisfied. I've heard some pressings that sound amazing , so I know it's capable.Would a purchase of a dedicated phono pre add to the performance or should it wait until a future replacement of the cartridge with a probable MC in the future.I mainly listen to prog rock, metal, some jazz , psych and of course classic rock.Thanks. Greg
I have a McIntosh MA8900 integrated with a Ortofon 2M Black for vinyl playback. I'm using the MM input and I'm generally satisfied. I've heard some pressings that sound amazing , so I know it's capable.Would a purchase of a dedicated phono pre add to the performance or should it wait until a future replacement of the cartridge with a probable MC in the future.I mainly listen to prog rock, metal, some jazz , psych and of course classic rock.Thanks. Greg