2. amps-preamps
  3. 136826-96791

Next step: preamp or phono preamp

After 14 weeks my power amplifier arrived. For the last few weeks it’s been burning in beautifully.

Since vinyl is my primary listening I want to ask what my next step should be. My plan had been a tube preamp next as I’m currently using a Schiit SYS as a stop gap. But maybe the phono would be a better starting spot? My TT will be replaced and isn’t anything to write about (Project DC with 2M Blue) at some point as well.

I know where I will end up but am looking for guidance on the order of steps to get there as everything will need to be done piece by piece.

Current phonostage is a Lounge LCR MKIII
gochurchgo
mesch
3,527 posts
 
Given you are looking for a line stage preamp, a separate phonostage, and replacing your TT and cartridge, I suggest you first purchase the line stage pre that mates well with your amplifier. Then consider the phonostage and TT/cartridge together. 
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Perhaps you might consider a preamp that includes a good phono stage.
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
@mesch thanks. I am getting a tube pre by the same manufacturer and the phonostage will be as well. Things sound surprisingly good with the Schiit so I wondered if going with the phono now would be the way to go.
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
@hifiman5 unfortunately, the tube pre I’m getting at some point doesn’t have that option.
mesch
3,527 posts
 
Well, since you have decided on the pre and phonostage then trying the phonostage with the SYS 1st might prove interesting. You may possibly decide to upgrade the TT/cartridge prior to the linestage pre. Not sure about phonostage compatibility with passive pre however.  I own a SYS, most to play around with in secondary systems. Only driven by DACs with high output. 
More to discover