yep, that would do it! you defiantly need a phono stage somewhere in the system. My first phono pre was a NAD PP2, a cute little thing that works pretty well for the price. I upgraded eventually to a PS Audio GCPH, which was a more robust unit with more options and a finer sound. I then went for a tube model with the Audio Research PH3SE, and my current model is a Whest PS.30R.
This represents an initial spend of less than $200, and ratcheted up to $3,500. I can happily say that I was pleased with each and every one of these phono preamps, and they are all spaced out in price. On Audiogon, you could probably get the NAD for $80, the PS Audio for $550, the ARC for $1000, and the Whest for $2,000. So depending on your budget and your commitment to vinyl, anyone of these would be a fine choice, at least in my opinion.
Good Luck!
This represents an initial spend of less than $200, and ratcheted up to $3,500. I can happily say that I was pleased with each and every one of these phono preamps, and they are all spaced out in price. On Audiogon, you could probably get the NAD for $80, the PS Audio for $550, the ARC for $1000, and the Whest for $2,000. So depending on your budget and your commitment to vinyl, anyone of these would be a fine choice, at least in my opinion.
Good Luck!