2. amps-preamps
  3. 142285-21551

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.
pharmacylaw

Showing 1 response by nekoaudio

nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
Phono preamps can sound very different. Aside from the accuracy of the RIAA curve applied (or support for other curves), the sound character can vary widely. I would say it quite easy to find phono preamps that sound very different from each other.

A phono preamp is performing frequency response adjustments, and also has an amplification stage. Plus it has a direct and significant interaction with the electrical properties of the cartridge, tonearm, and phono cable. So in some sense it is more complicated, and sensitive, than an integrated amplifier.
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