2. amps-preamps
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Separate Phono Pre - $$ before I will hear a SIGNIFICANT difference vs. integrated?

In my search for a new Pre-Amp - one of the factors that I am considering is the "Line-Stage" vs. "Built-In Phono Stage" factor.

If I opt for a Line-Stage type - I will probably want to add a separate Phono Pre. I presently do like to spin some vinyl, but I only do it occasionally at the moment because I do not have a permanent place to place the TT. (I store it carefully when not in use)

TT = AR "The Turntable" with Straight (Jelco) Tonearm and Shure MX-V VMR Cart

Q1. How likely is it that something affordable (Like Schiit Mani around $130 USD or Mofi Studio?) will sound equal to or better than the phono stage of the NAD 7220PE Receiver that I am presently using?

Q2. How far up does one need to go in order to note a SIGNIFICANT step-up in Audio Performance?
(Maybe something with Balanced Outputs that is easy to locate CLOSE to the TT?)
geeqner

Showing 1 response by cleeds

cleeds
6,089 posts
 
elliottbnewcombjr
phono eq is very simple, standardized for all manufacturers since RIAA Industry Standard agreed to (right after or before most of us were born).
This is mistaken. There have been a variety of EQ curves for the LP. In the US, RCA and Columbia used different curves for years, in part as a way to distinguish their products from each other. The IEC RIAA spec wasn't introduced until the mid-'70s. It uses a different LF roll-off and while some labels observe it, some don't. (Which may be a good thing.) Some European labels were using the CCIR curve well into the 1980s.
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