Rotel 1520 or separate phono stage?

I like the project phono box...it vastly outperformed the phono stage in my NAD preamp....

Thanks for the response. I do have a pretty high end audio store near me where I bought the RP3. Hopefully they have something where I can try different preamps out to see what works best. I appreciate your help.

I think the phono stage in your Rotel is pretty good for what it is. However, IMO you can get better performance thru the use of an outboard stage in your price range. The primary reason is shielding and/or the ability to place the phono stage out of the way of your amp. IMO, PP2 from NAD phono stage or musical fidelity X-lp will outperform your built in. Both run about $200 and can be found used. I found a musical sussoundings phno stage on a-gon for $300. It sounded far superior to my NAD then in use. If it doesnt sound better to you, sell it.

Thanks for your help. Was looking at some in the $300 range but will probably save a bit and spend a little more down the road so I can really hear a difference. Thanks.

When Ihad my Rotel RC-1082 preamp I had to upgrade to a Graham Slee Era Gold MkIV to hear a difference - new it is $1200, I paid $700 as a demo. Rotel phono stages are decent for being included in the package.