2. amps-preamps
  3. 142285-21551

why a high end phono preamp?

I recently purchased a Hegel 160 integrated amp with no phono stage.  I also purchased a NAD c 427 tuner, and have a Dual CS 5000 TT (I have no idea what type of stylus it uses).

I wish to play my vinyl's but don't understand why I can't do with a $49 phono amp as opposed to one that costs hundreds of dollars. 

Is it the Hegel that is responsible for delivering superior sound, or is it the preamp? I thought the cheaper item is solely a conduit for the power, but is it the product that allows the record to be heard properly? Any recommendations for my components? I was looking at Clearaudio Nano V2. Thank you.
pharmacylaw
nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 
Phono preamps can sound very different. Aside from the accuracy of the RIAA curve applied (or support for other curves), the sound character can vary widely. I would say it quite easy to find phono preamps that sound very different from each other.

A phono preamp is performing frequency response adjustments, and also has an amplification stage. Plus it has a direct and significant interaction with the electrical properties of the cartridge, tonearm, and phono cable. So in some sense it is more complicated, and sensitive, than an integrated amplifier.
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,446 posts
 
A quality phono preamp makes a huge difference.  I didn't hear vinyl for what it could be until I got a great one.  I don't think you have to spend a fortune but it is a necessity if you want great sounding vinyl.  

I think a lot of folks get into vinyl and abandon it prematurely because their phono preamps are not that good, giving them dry and plain sound.  

Michael Fremer loves this one at about $550.  https://www.musicdirect.com/customer-favorites-our-best-selling-gear/ifi-micro-iphono-2-mmmc-phono-p...

About 3 years ago, I was on here asking for help identifying my weakest link in my system.  I got advice all over the place.  One guy told me a better phono preamp would take me to a better level.  He was spot on.  

In some ways, I think a phono preamp seems like an un-sexy purchase in this hobby.  Once I made the leap, it was the best thing I've done.  
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,836 posts
 
I upgraded my phono stage in the past year replacing a 25+ year old unit.  At first, I tried a sub $1000 unit made by a well respected phono preamp designer.  Giving it weeks to burn-in, I could only conclude that my cherished vinyl was being ill served.  So...after absorbing a modest financial hit, I traded in that new phono stage for a significantly more accomplished unit.  Night and frickin'day!  Besides a new life breathed into my vinyl, the shocker was how LP surface noise was minimized by the upgraded unit as it navigated those unmusical noises more adroitly.  In short, at least in my experience, investing in a fine phono amp is well worth it.  
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