Polling Integrated Amp & Vinyl Users


Just curious how many of you use a separate Phono pre-amp vs. the Phono section of your Integrated? I have an Anthem STR IA which has turntables plugged into both the MM & MC Phono inputs. I have a myriad number of cartridges. I have no complaints with the sound. To my ears, it’s a really nice Phono stage that does include some adjustable gain. 

The compactness of an IA is what I like about them. No fuss, no muss. Less of everything. And yet! I do think about getting a separate Phono pre just for grins. Always wanting to compare. Wanderlust. 

I’m going to resist the urge at this point in time. Perhaps another day. Not that hard a decision when I’m happy with what I’ve got. 

Are you using your Integrated as intended? Or are you using separate boxes, i.e. phono, DAC’s etc. to complement your sound? 


lmnop
So much of my equipment is modded its hard to say I’m using anything as intended. My integrated didn’t come with a pre out for example, but it has one now. You can see my phono stage, system, and a few of the mods here https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367 It didn’t come with a phono stage either. The advantages in terms of sound quality from a good stand alone phono stage cannot be exaggerated. It will cost a lot more. Especially considering you need a pretty good interconnect to take full advantage. But once you do- wow! You will never go back.
I use the built in phono stage on my Yamaha A-S2100 with great results.  It lacks some adjustability, but the MC section sounds really nice with my AT 0C9XSL.  No built in DAC on the Yamaha, so I use an external one.
I use the built-in MM phono pre-amp in my Rega Elicit-R. Seems to work well with my Ortofon 2M Blue. I think it sounds great, and no fuss........
my integrated amp is just that..no dac no phono
the way I like it.....upgrade dac/phono as I see fit..int amp is fine
I use a rega phono amp with my rega P3..but will be going to an EAT petite glo next