2. amps-preamps
  3. 149996-116612

Does my setup need a phono stage?

Tt: Marantz tt15s1, pre/pro: Marantz av8802a (phono built in) Amps: Mcintosh. Speakers: ML ESL-X. Subs: REL T7i. Power: 20a Furman elite. IC’s: Tempo Electric pure silver. A ridiculous amount of other tweaks. 

I love my new ( and my first) turntable. I love putting on a record, the tactile and ceremonial feel of it. I love reading the notes and looking at the art. Don’t get me wrong, streaming MQA on my SimAudio is great, but I feel like I’m finally listening to the music and not just playing with my roon; searching for the next recoding that’s gonna really show off those synergistic blue fuses and ps audio noise harvesters. Y’all know what I mean? It’s more relaxed. It feels good. 

I’m glad I got that out. So..... here is the question, Will a dedicated phono stage make an audible improvement over the one in my Marantz 8802a, which already sounds awesome, or should I just stick with what I have? I’d like to spend less than $1200, I’d love to spend less than $700. Low noise is important to me (I spent the good part of a year chasing noise out of my system). I want the output of my cartridge (Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood) to match the gain of the phono stage, so it’ll need to be close to 48.8dB. New or used, tube or SS. I’d like suggestions, Id love to research them. And let’s be honest, y’all know that in this hobby (affliction) even if 98% of you say “just use the built in phono in your Marantz” I’m probably still gonna chase the dragon. So bring it on, and thanks in advance. 

Andrew 


andrewkelley
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
610 posts
 
I also run a dual purpose AV system but have found that there is no way an AV preamp sounds as good as a dedicated audio preamp. 

I have listened to my system both ways, using my video amp - Marantz AV7702 Mk 2 (the last unit they had that allows proper setup for a really good home theatre - your 8802a is a more expensive unit of the same generation) into a Roland 5 power amp.

I switch the speaker cables over to my audio pre/power to do serous listening to music and the sound is significantly better. You might consider trying out a different preamp with your existing power amp and see what you think.

I'd agree with the Black Cube as an affordable phono stage that is priced very reasonably.  If you do that, do report back on how it compared with the Marantz (maybe you can borrow a demo to try before you buy).
andrewkelley OP
276 posts
 
So I actually Rewired everything and I am now using my Mcintosh MA5200 integrated as my preamp! It has “pass through” aka home theatre bypass. I had no idea that was even a thing until this thread. Now when I listen to my Dac or my tuner or my turntable (yes it has a phono input!!!) it goes through the Mcintosh, but as soon as I touch a button on my appletv remote, the Marantz sends a signal to the Mcintosh and it enters pass through and becomes slave to the Marantz. Everything sounds way better. @w
big_greg
6,670 posts
 
It's always nice when you can improve sound quality without having to go buy something new :)
bacobits1
103 posts
 
I always run an external Phono.I have a Clearaudio Emotion SE, CMB bearing,Carbon Satisfy Arm the last 5 years
Highly recommend a Rogue Audio Triton "2" Phono Pre.Over the years I have had them all. MS, Jasmine, Heed Quasar, lots more.
This is better than all of them. Has all the setting you will ever need (MC>70db gain adjustable, Sub filter etc)  very quiet and dynamic.I was shocked how nice it performs,AT33PTG II Cart.
andrewkelley OP
276 posts
 
@bacobits1 that setup is niiiiice! I’ll be dining more research on rogue for sure. The phenomena ii+ with external linear power supply is creeping up the list as well. 

@big_greg thanks for all the advice! I’ve read that 6moons review, and all I can say is the Mcintosh phono stage is better than the Marantz’, which although I was able to achieve better sound, only temps me to dig deeper with a killer pre. But you should have heard how good Duran Duran’s “The Chauffeur” just sounded. The music was all around coming from everywhere, it was rad. 


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