Separate Phono Stage-Worth the $$ ?


I have a Levinson ML26 preamp with separate power supply but it has a built in phono stage. I have someone who is getting out of analog and would be willing to swap his ML 26 with separate phono section plus some money.
Good idea? Money spent better elsewhere?
Thanks, Clavio
sof762

Showing 1 response by goyescas

If you can arrange to audition this you should know right off if it is worth the $. I would think you are doing just fine with what you have unless yours is a very high resolution system.

I have been using the built-in phono section in a Musical Fidelity A300 Integrated, and so far I have auditioned two other phono stages but have not heard any improvement. The job of a phono stage is complex, as you have to match many variables, so unless there is a marked spec difference with the outboard Levison, I would not bother.

Just my $0.02