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How much difference does a phono preamp really make?

Sorry for the noob question...

I have a Technics SL1200-GR turntable with two cartridges; a Denon DL110 and a Clearaudio Performer. I also have two phono stages; a Consonance PM6 and the internal phono stage in my Belles Aria integrated. 

To my ears, there is no discernable difference in sound between the two phono stages. 

I'm just wondering, if I went up to say a Clearaudio Smart Phono, or a Rogue, or even a GoldNote PH-10; would I be able to tell? How critical is a quality phono pre in analog sound reproduction?

Thanks,
Joe
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tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,841 posts
 
+1 for Sutherland
unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
899 posts
 
A quality phono stage is essential to the proper functioning of any high end vinyl analog system.
aserejeje
16 posts
 

Don't mean to highjack but i can add I can't tell the difference in phono preamps either.

hifi59's avatar
hifi59
51 posts
 

Assuming your cartridge is decent enough, I would get a well reviewed and revered phono stage that’s within your budget that allows that cartridge to be all it can be. If at that time you sense that it could be better, upgrade your cartridge. Since owning turntables and associated gear since the 70s, I’ve adapted the ability to tell if the cartridge is the limiting factor vs the phono stage and vice versa.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,004 posts
 

Get the pro-ject tube box ds2...it has an abundance of settings right there on the front panel for both mc and mm...in addition, you can run 2 turntables at a time. It has received numerous positive, some glowing, reviews and it has tubes, 12ax7's....

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