2. amps-preamps
  3. 173341-145008

$1,500 phono upgrade worth it?

I'm having the itch to upgrade my phono stage. I currently have a Rega P6,  Ania Pro cart, and Rega Fono MC stage. I find that the stage is generally pretty noisy with a noticeable hiss. The table can't be grounded in stock configuration from Rega, so I don't think it's that. I do have a dedicated line run from my panel to the plug. I don't think it's picking up any interference. The phono is run into a Primaluna Evo 300 integrated; which is dead silent when streaming.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out, is the $1,500 figure going to make a noticeable difference? Do I even need to go that high? Given my current configuration, I can't see stepping up much higher than that. At some point I'm only going to get so much out of the ancillary components to justify going way above them with the stage.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Cheers and happy holidays!!

ecrotty
boxer12
8,656 posts
 

OP,

Please advise on what phono cable you are currently using from the tonearm to the phono stage. If it isn't a "dedicated" phono cable, that could easily be part (if not all) of the excessive noise issue you're experiencing. 

 

Thanks

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 

What I can't figure out is the noticeable hum when I turn on the stage with nothing playing

I agree with @ghdprentice. The phono pre is very important and one at 3 times the cost of the present one will be a big upgrade IMO. However, if you have a ground loop problem which I suspect is the problem, the problem will still exist with a different phono pre.

As usual, @millercarbon  has given good advice on how to go about tracking and eliminating the problem. This should be your 1st priority. Then the new phono stage

Then there is the hiss you say is present. If you have the gain set too high and have high sensitivity speakers, you are more likely to have hiss. This is a good reason to list your system so that others can help troubleshoot the problems.

avanti1960
1,535 posts
 

You can get a solid upgrade in sound for less.  The Lehmann Black Cube SE II is an excellent value at ~ $1200 or so.  Outboard power supply for low noise and excellent dynamics.  

elliottbnewcombjr
5,718 posts
 

I'd be exasperated, and suspect of that unit as you are.

Phono, even without a problem, it's a quest and luck, I believe in return option.

I would select a phono stage I could return, on the expectation that the noise will disappear. If noise is still there, return it, figure it out first, then upgrade after listening to existing without noise for a while.

best of luck with it,

Elliott

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