Is a separate phono pre really necessary?

The Phonostage is critical to the performance of a turntable. I recommend a tubed Phonostage. But also would wait until you can afford more than $2K maybe $3K. Then go for a used Phonostage… I recommend looking at Audio Reseach, Conrad Johnson, or VAC… these are amazingly great sounding and will last forever. Presto is a newer contender.

I went through increasingly expensive phonostages until moving into the $5K new range. There is a very significant benefit to getting into the $5-10K range and used you can do that for maybe half. Can’t just be any phono stage in this price range it needs to be carefully chosen for its sound.

@rodman99999 Sadly Rega's have built-in interconnects and I'm not sure I can find out the impedance. However, I'll certainly keep that in mind (it slipped my mind).

@rsf507 Thanks for the suggestion of the Gold Note PH-10.

@ghdprentice I'm also leaning that way as well. I would dearly love an Audio Research pre but size limitations prevent me from those brands.

@smanuel

You should also consider a Hagerman Trumpet MC. I have a Soundsmith MIMC, and tried it at 470 and 1,000 (Hagerman has a good range of loading options). I actually prefer 1,000 with the MIMC. On my rig it really allows the MIMC to ‘shine and sparkle’. 470 is just a tad too laid back, but really depends on your other equipment/speakers.

Just keep in mind Peter recommends a minimum of 470, but you can go higher. If I had a variable option on the Hagerman, my feeling is that around 800 might be perfect with the MIMC….on my setup.

I have had phono in a Shindo Aurieges and I thought it was excellent. I also am liking mine in the Audible Illusions M3B....I had both running thru a SUT so that may also make a difference of sorts....I havent had too much luck with outboard phono stages but I havent spent a lot of time or money with them...the best one I had was a Rogue Audio Magnum with blue cinemas, I believe it was and I felt the Shindo pre w/phono easily bested it.. 

@beatlebum That was another option I was considering. I was a bit hesitant because of the loading options are not as flexible as the amps I mention but Sutherland seems to consistently get good reviews which speaks well of the brand.