How much difference does a phono preamp really make?

First, in any chain of events the first stage is the most effectual in performance, all errors are magnified from that stage on.

Second, the relationship between the cartridge and the phono electronics is as tricky as that of the amplifier to speaker, each involves the interface between two energy converting transducers, mechanical to electronic for the phone, electronic to mechanical for the speaker.  There is little that is linear in either process.  

Cartridge loading sets the cartridge performance and is not a fixed issue, It effects the entire electro-mechanical relationship.

I would suggest that you read Austin Audio Works paper on cartridge loading (on the web site) to expand your understanding of this reality of this relationship, no fluff, just raw data delivered in graphs.  You have to decide whether the timbre of the cartridge is effected by what loads it.

Resolution of audio information starts at the beginning, and each record is different - check out the Black Swan.

@cakyol

Spend about $1000 MAX for a cartridge and maybe at most another $500 MAX for your phono amp and you will be set.

sorry but i don’t agree with this, just far too broad a generality, esp. re $500 for a phono stage

depends so much on the system and demands of the listener/user

It’s impossible to "read" the groove correctly with a conical stylus (and elliptical stylus is not the best), if you can’t pick up the information (music) from the groove correctly then no phono stage will help you, no matter what price.

1) Vinyl Record is the source of music.

2) Cartridge (stylus tip) is the one and only device that actually touch the record and "read the groove" (read the source).

Everyone should have a great cartridge first and then everything else on equal level.

Always start with a cartridge, not vise versa. This is the first and most important component in analog chain.

** read and watch this and that at least.

"Always start with a cartridge, not vise versa. This is the first and most important component in analog chain."


Sorry , no offence but I don't see that as sage advice . You don't buy expensive racing tires for a Lada and expect it to compete with something purpose built through and through. The cart is important, not most but equally.
 Its beginning to end . ALL AS ONE. The phono pre is the bottleneck. It must be up to task or everything now ,or upgraded later is at its mercy.

The fact the cartridge is the only contact in the groove makes EVERYTHING after it that much more important to not harm such a tiny signal.
A signal requiring extreme amplification where even the wire matters more than any where else.
Its not about generalities or biased ownership , its simple common sense. They all matter equally,  they can all diminish the improvements playing before them . Starting with a good cart will only show real gains with an arm that lets it do its job with no added noise or distortion to a tiny signal created at contact. Now if that signal is as good as it can be when set up properly, how could a pre that doesnt play quietly and effectively to amplify all the details retreived be good enough ? Vinyl is the one source that everything matters, as any faulty , weak or neglected stage drasticaly reduces the real benefits of what you hear right down to the feet and what they sit on.

Its not just about more dollars making it better. Its about the balance and synergy and set up of the parts. The Phono pre is important to many, that understand ,  the better it is and the more versatile its settings are....relate directly to better sounding cartridges now and upgrades down the line fully realized,  or multiple arms and carts (types) on one or more tables used . 

As well, tube based phono stages are not all noisy or substandard. Thats a gross generalization thats patently false. Some of the better mid to higher end stages are dead quiet and tube based. Its wonderful to have choice,  its foolish for some to think they know only the best choices based on nothing more than biased ownership and their own cost bias. Choice is a good thing, it keeps everyone included. Unlike deriding everyone elses choice indifferent to their ownership bias'.  Choice is a great teacher, we learn from our own,  and when open minded we learn not just about our choices from others experience.
But their different choices and why's expanding our  possible choices further . All that said , nothing will change the fact the phono pre is the make or break piece at just how good that start with the cart choice thinking will work let alone the arm its married to as in better or worse...
Why spend good money and effort to dig as much out of the groove to have it ruined by the phono section seems counter intuitive ....

It's a little comforting to me that there are disagreements on this topic from those that know far more than I do!