Should I purchase an expensive phono preamp

In an earlier post I stated that I have Paradigm speakers. The system was set up originally as a 5.1 surround sound home theater with the Pioneer Elite AV Receiver (with built in phonostage). DVD's and CD's sound pretty good. I had one of the cheap $200 turntables that went bad (have 300+ lp's) and when I started looking at replacing it I was astounded at how far tt's had come. After research I was able to get the Nottingham with the Rega arm from Audiogon. After being satisfied initially, I noticed that (like described by others) I had to turn down the treble and turn up the bass on most lp's to get the sound I wanted. So the step I am at now is get a stand alone phono stage.

I'm using Paradigm Studio 60's in my HT. They're not bad. I wouldn't necessarily use them in an audio system but I don't think the Paradigm's will hinder your enjoyment of music. I have heard some of the newer Monster Cable IC's that you can pick up at any Best Buy or Circuit City. They should be good enough to let you hear what's going on. If it were me I wouldn't get to crazy unless you really start upgrading equipment.

NsGarch
Are all of the cables you mentioned low capacitance? What exactly do you consider to be low capacitance? I am having a hard time finding the capacitance for these interconnects as it does not seem to advertised on most of the sites relating to the products. Also, do you have any recommendations as to where to purchase these interconnects (except for the Audioquest which seems to be readily available on several websites).

EJ, yes, they all have very low capacitance specs. And it's not critical for the phono preamp to receiver connection.

The critical part for MM carts. is from the tonearm to phono preamp connection. The Goldring 1000 series specified capacitance is 150-200 pf (picofarads). To achieve this, you'd have to know the capacitance of the Rega tonearm cables and add that to the default capacitance in the Bellari and then either add or subtract capacitance to meet that spec. by using little load capacitors inside the Bellari. I don't know (doubt) if the Bellari provides for that amount of tweaking.

Bottom line, don't sweat it for now.

I'm using a Graham Slee Gram Amp 2SE & love it! My front end is Goldring 1042/RB300 Incognito arm rewire(Self Inflicted) and Michell's Counterweight upgrade, on a 1988 Roksan Xerxes. Do make sure your T/T is well isolated (preferably on a wall shelf)the GS costs Appx £200GBP but has a lot of Oomph! This being cleanly administered dynamic clout.