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Separate Phono Pre - $$ before I will hear a SIGNIFICANT difference vs. integrated?

In my search for a new Pre-Amp - one of the factors that I am considering is the "Line-Stage" vs. "Built-In Phono Stage" factor.

If I opt for a Line-Stage type - I will probably want to add a separate Phono Pre. I presently do like to spin some vinyl, but I only do it occasionally at the moment because I do not have a permanent place to place the TT. (I store it carefully when not in use)

TT = AR "The Turntable" with Straight (Jelco) Tonearm and Shure MX-V VMR Cart

Q1. How likely is it that something affordable (Like Schiit Mani around $130 USD or Mofi Studio?) will sound equal to or better than the phono stage of the NAD 7220PE Receiver that I am presently using?

Q2. How far up does one need to go in order to note a SIGNIFICANT step-up in Audio Performance?
(Maybe something with Balanced Outputs that is easy to locate CLOSE to the TT?)
geeqner
geeqner OP
28 posts
 
Elliott -

If one is a COLLECTOR and/or into "Vintage" recordings [Pre-1950's mono etc.] - that's where I would be looking for a restored (or restore it myself) H-K Citation I tube pre-amp.  THAT baby incorporated a switch to let you select about 5 different EQ Curves [RIAA, LP, COLUMBIA, RCA Roll-Off : 0/RCA, 4/FFRR, 10.5/OLD LON, 12/COLUMBIA, 14/RIAA, 16/LP]  It's on my list..

HOWEVER - For now; I am looking for something more modern and weighing the option of a Pre-Amp with built-in Phono vs. Line-Stage and separate Phono Pre (start with an affordable one and upgrade later because if I go this route - I cannot "bite-off" the funding of two relatively expensive units at once.)
Post removed 
geeqner OP
28 posts
 
Thanks, "elizabeth7" -

I never really thought of that.
But if I were to go the "Tubey" route - then, SEPARATE Line Stage and Phono REALLY makes sense, so as to save hours on the Phono Tubes when they are not being used (I currently listen to CD / other Digital sources most of the time and Phono is occasional use when I'm "In the mood" [when wife is out-of-town and I set-up the phono....])  ;-)

Solid State = not such a big deal, as the idle power used by a S.S. phono stage is "bupkis"
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mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
Geeqner,

"Q1. How likely is it that something affordable (Like Schiit Mani around $130 USD or Mofi Studio?) will sound equal to or better than the phono stage of the NAD 7220PE Receiver that I am presently using?"

Funny you mention NAD and Schiit. I own 7225PE and Mani. NAD is good for what it is but just for casual background music. Everything about it is entry level. You can do much better today.

The Mani is simply an amazing phono preamp for the price.
Before that I had the $25 Behringer PP400 with a modern tube amp. While very good for $25, switching to the Mani was a significant upgrade in every way, using the same tube amp.

My suggestion is relinquish the NAD to a 2nd system and upgrade your amp and the Mani.

If budget is tight look at the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM5 Stereo Integrated Amplifier and Behringer PP400 phono or Onkyo A-9110 w/ built in phono.

https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B078H7ZP8T/ref=sr_1_7?keywords...

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Microphono-PP400-Ultra-Compact-Preamp/dp/B000H2BC4E/ref=sr_1_13?key...

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-A-9110-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B07J2S755K/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=i...

For a better system add the Mani to a better amp.
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