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SDS or phono stage

I have a VPI Scoutmaster with Soundsmith Zephyr Mk II cartridge, jmw memorial arm, a stainless steel vpi record clamp, playing through a Musial Fidelity KW500 integrated amp with on board phono stage. Sounds quite good, but my question is this: would I be better off at this point adding an SDS or an outboard phono stage? Or both? In what order? Thanks!
arsh

Showing 2 responses by sarcher30

sarcher30
596 posts
 
The phono stage in the MF A308 integrated I had long ago was not very good. Not sure how it compares with your newer MF though.

It will depend on how much your budget is? If you could stretch for something like a Parasound JC3, it would be more of an improvement than the SDS alone. If your budget is around $1k then it becomes a closer call. Personally I would save as much as possible and get a really nice phono stage first.
sarcher30
596 posts
 
The Herron is one I would like to hear. From all reports it should be a big improvement on your in built MF phono stage.
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