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Phono preamp worth it with MM cartridges?

I've had conflicting advice from dealers so hoping for some clarity here. How much do phono preamps offer with sound quality and MM cartridges? (I understand they have a huge impact on sound quality with MC). 

My current setup is Rega P3/Neo/Exact/Groovetracer RS, Rega Elex-R amp, and Spendor A4 speakers and I mostly listen to classical, jazz, and light rock.

Will buying a Rega Aria phone preamp (or  iFi iPhono 3? Avid? Graham Slee? in the sub $2k range) make a worthwhile difference or should I wait till I buy an MC cartridge before splurging ? 

Thanks, Roger
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Showing 1 response by mattmiller

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mattmiller
1,538 posts
 
Forget all the fancy specs and numbers people are spewing out. The P3 with Exact combo is a very lively and fun sound.With this set up you dont need a $2000 phonostage, you will wind up wanting a new table! Then things just start going sideways....different is the new word not better. So, having a phono preamp such as a Musical Surroundings phonomena (with tons of settings) or even the $1200 Nova would be a perfect match with your setup, AND this would allow a upgrade for any cartridge in the future you would desire.

Matt M
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