My opinion is that an upper level phono stage will still extract far more information than a low level unit. Granted a medium quality turntable is not going to give you all that you can expect, but the capabilities of the phono stage will not choke out what you do extract.
If I recall, the OP here was willing to spend a decent amount on a turntable. Assuming he purchases something pre owned and in nice shape, he can get a lot of bang for his buck with his budget. If I were doing the same thing, I'd put as much as possible into the phono stage and not be saving money there.
If I recall, the OP here was willing to spend a decent amount on a turntable. Assuming he purchases something pre owned and in nice shape, he can get a lot of bang for his buck with his budget. If I were doing the same thing, I'd put as much as possible into the phono stage and not be saving money there.