2. analog
  3. 167680-93252

How much difference does a phono preamp really make?

Sorry for the noob question...

I have a Technics SL1200-GR turntable with two cartridges; a Denon DL110 and a Clearaudio Performer. I also have two phono stages; a Consonance PM6 and the internal phono stage in my Belles Aria integrated. 

To my ears, there is no discernable difference in sound between the two phono stages. 

I'm just wondering, if I went up to say a Clearaudio Smart Phono, or a Rogue, or even a GoldNote PH-10; would I be able to tell? How critical is a quality phono pre in analog sound reproduction?

Thanks,
Joe
audionoobie
johnss
614 posts
 
years ago, used wonder about same Q. 

Short answer is pretty significant upgrade can be made with better phono stage. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
It does, but before you will buy more expensive phono stage you’d better upgrade your cartridges (especially Denon). The most significant difference is a cartridge matched to GR tonearm and your phono stages. 
big_greg
6,723 posts
 
If your cartridge and the rest of your system aren't revealing enough, there's not going to be much if any difference... on the other hand, if they are, the phono stage matters a lot.  It's amplifying a very small signal and how well it does that without introducing noise or distortion make a big difference.
More to discover