I used to have a Rogue RP1 preamp and my experience was that while the headphone amp wasn't very good, the phono preamp was pretty good. I wanted to try a SUT and since then I'm using a different preamp that doesn't have a built in phono input. I got the basic MM only version of the EAR Phonobox tube phono preamp with the EAR MC4 SUT. The price isn't unreasonable compared to some options. The MC4 SUT has different inputs that allow you to use it with different cartridges, or try different settings for different sound, and I've been very happy with the sound and improvement after adding a SUT.
thoughts on adding phonostage
Thinking of adding a phonostage/upgrade cartridge on current set up;
EAT b sharp turntable
rogue audio cronus magnum iii
goldenear T66 floor speakers
KimberKable ascent 8tc speaker wire and PBJ interconnect.
currently I have a ortofon bronze 2M cartridge. will upgrade to EAT jo no.5 , Hana ML or ortofon MC quintent bronze depending on best price etc. excited to actually hear the difference as i think the set up sounds pretty good right now.
question is, thoughts on phonostage? the cronus magnum iii has a built in MM/MC phonostage, woudl it be overkill? and do i pair the phono to the rogue audio, or to the EAT turntable, or can I go with another brand?