Phono Preamp

I’ve been amazed by how much difference a good TT (w separate power supply, and tone arm ) can really make in SQ. Lower noise floor = more detail. If the TT is getting there, no phono pre is going to make that better. Just like it cannot improve the capabilities of the cartridge. Save the money of the preamp and more cables and go to the source. The trick is getting the most bang for the buck. my experience is once you get past the $8,000 range for a TT setup w cartridge, its diminishing marginal utility. Only my opinion 

+1 @papafrgog

With all due respect, I could not disagree more strongly.  I am using a an extremely resolving system with a VPI Ares3 TT, super platter option and a wonderful SME Series IV tone arm.  That is a pretty nice set up, its in the $9K range in cost and if you think that a good phono stage is not going to make any differences, then why not just buy a cheap $150 phono stage?  Save the money and just expect the TT with the fancy tone arm to do all of the heavy lifting.

I can hear huge differences in phono stages as noted above.  My brother who is a professional video/audio engineer was shocked at the performance of the high end phono stages when we swapped around the gear.  This is not subtle changes, its immense changes.  If my high end front end was doing all of the work, then we should not be hearing the improvements, but that is certainly not the case and it is certainly why so many guys tie up more and more money in upper level phono preamps.

High quality phono preamps just do it better.  They amplify very low level signals with the minimal amount of noise possible.  And based on what the designer put into it circuitry, dictates how well it all plays.

@slimpikins5 has given good advice. Any system is only as good as its weakest link. The phono preamp handles the most delicate signal in the chain. A good phono stage is imperative and will make a big difference. I have a JLTi which is made in Australia only now. (use to be Austria& sold in USA)I think You may still order it but not sure. Supposedly upgraded. Herron gets good reviews but is more expensive than the JLTi which was highly favored 10-15 yrs ago. VPI get the nod from me on TT’s

I agree the Herron VTPH 2A.   Finally, after hearing the same advice over & over, from audiophiles who I trust, I just upgraded to the VTPH-2A, from a Parasound JC-3 Jr., and I am extremely happy.   Keith (Herron) will build one just for you, you couldn’t ask for a better company to deal with, nor a better phono preamp, IMHO.    Good luck!!