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Phono stage or pre Amp? which is most important.

Hi
I've just got back into vinyl after many years of digital music listening. Bought my myself a cheap turntable(Linn Basik, Akito arm, AT 95e Cartridge) and a project phonobox e phono stage. Just wondering how important the phono stage is compared to the amps it's going into. I know the project is only a £50 box so just wondering what next step up would be. My pre is a NAC 202 with NAPSC, Power is NAP 200, speakers CM6 s2. Is the Naim Stageline worth the money or is there a more budget friendly step up.
Cheers
thelad

Showing 2 responses by ihcho

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
My experience tells $500 phono pre and $1000 preamp will be a better choice than $250 phono pre and $2000 preamp.
The difference between $500 and $250 phono pre will be considerably bigger than the diff between $1000 and $2000 preamp.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
$150 phono stage and $500 phono stage can be absolutely the same, but with different label and different box. Price is nothing in this case (in this category at least) and can’t be a guide.
I agree. There is always an exception. Same thing applies to any audio gears. There is always a giant killer.
But from my limited experience, I have not had $150 phono stage that sounds as good as $500 phono stage. I'd appreciate it if you recommend me a few. I am in need of at least one more phono preamp and I don't want to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars. My current phono stages are Yaqin MS12B, MAGI Phonomenal, and Phono stage in Plinius M16P preamp. $150 phono stage that sounds close to Yaqin would be nice.
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