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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
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
An amazing MM cartridge can be found for $700-1000, this is the price for a basic phono stage, better phono stage normally cost $1500-2500 and what it can make for an average cartridge is to show all the flaws of such cart.

JLTi mk5 from Australia is great new phono stage for reasonable price. Highly competitive with higher priced Gold Note PH-10. I have both.
grk
251 posts
 
A phono stage can make a significant difference in my experience!
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
audionoobie

phono stages make a huge difference... absolutely huge

if you can't hear a difference it is likely because you don't have a good, resolving system set up properly yet (90%), or, that unluckily, you have happened upon two phono stages that sound very much alike (10% chance)...

serious analog folks view the phono stage choice as one of the most important in terms of system building

good luck on your quest
sandthemall
544 posts
 
Yes AT VM 760SLC will make a big difference because of the profile but also because it's good match for your tonearm.

I had a Denon 110 on an SL1200 and it was a good jump up going to even to an AT7V. I now have a 1200G with AT VM750...another jump up in resolution.

With that cartridge, you will hear a difference with a better ($1000+) phono stage. 




nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
The right question should be about carts ouput. Not so much relevenant for MM kinds but well for MC kinds. By those
there are: low output , mid output and high output kinds.
In order to reduce the moving mass the real possibility
is to reduce windings of coil wire. Cantilevers and styli are
in general pretty light. Not much to ''reduce'' this way.
The low output kinds are phono-pre  sensitive. Either
 (expensive) phono- pres ( + 69 dB) or SUT's. There is
 no 3th posibility. 
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