I upgraded my phono stage in the past year replacing a 25+ year old unit. At first, I tried a sub $1000 unit made by a well respected phono preamp designer. Giving it weeks to burn-in, I could only conclude that my cherished vinyl was being ill served. So...after absorbing a modest financial hit, I traded in that new phono stage for a significantly more accomplished unit. Night and frickin'day! Besides a new life breathed into my vinyl, the shocker was how LP surface noise was minimized by the upgraded unit as it navigated those unmusical noises more adroitly. In short, at least in my experience, investing in a fine phono amp is well worth it.
why a high end phono preamp?
I recently purchased a Hegel 160 integrated amp with no phono stage. I also purchased a NAD c 427 tuner, and have a Dual CS 5000 TT (I have no idea what type of stylus it uses).
I wish to play my vinyl's but don't understand why I can't do with a $49 phono amp as opposed to one that costs hundreds of dollars.
Is it the Hegel that is responsible for delivering superior sound, or is it the preamp? I thought the cheaper item is solely a conduit for the power, but is it the product that allows the record to be heard properly? Any recommendations for my components? I was looking at Clearaudio Nano V2. Thank you.
I wish to play my vinyl's but don't understand why I can't do with a $49 phono amp as opposed to one that costs hundreds of dollars.
Is it the Hegel that is responsible for delivering superior sound, or is it the preamp? I thought the cheaper item is solely a conduit for the power, but is it the product that allows the record to be heard properly? Any recommendations for my components? I was looking at Clearaudio Nano V2. Thank you.