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Phono preamp question

I'm slowly trying to upgrade my vinyl system to something that could be considered moderately decent, not necessarily high end. I have an older full feature preamp and am thinking in getting a separate phono preamp. I'm assuming the phono preamp would need to be connected to one of the line inputs. Would my preamp be the weak link if I get a good phono preamp to use with my existing preamp? Can a phono preamp be connected directly to the amplifier? FWIW, the preamp is an Adcom GTP-750. Thanks.
128x128kalali
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
Yes, your preamp would be the weak link if you bought a separate phono stage. But will it still sound good enough until you decide to upgrade your preamp? Only you can decide that.

You are caught in the upgrade dilemma: as you upgrade individual components, their performance will always be limited by the weakest link in your system.

 
donvito101
278 posts
 
There is no guarantee that a separate phono preamp will sound better than the one you have now. I've had many full function preamps that had an outstanding phono section!
gnnrlies15
2 posts
 
I agree with donvito101. Both my previous preamps had XLNT phono preamps, MM/MC capable.
vair68robert
624 posts
 
I use a Sim Audio Moon 110lp phono preamp
( Grado high output cartridge )  
going to a Goldpoint passive preamp
that has 2 inputs ( so I can switch between vinyl and CD's )  
and a volume control going to my 
McCormack DNA-250 stereo amp and it sounds fantastic.
I believe that the less electronics the purer the music.
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 
The idea of a passive preamp to put in between the phono stage and the amplifier makes logical sense (to me) since it appears that regardless of the quality of the phono stage the linestage is potentially always the limiting factor. So I guess the folks who spring for a very high end phono preamp must already own an equally high quality linestage pre. With that premise in mind, I think I'm better off to stick with what I have until I'm ready to upgrade my preamp.
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