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Vintage turntable with a modern phono stage, is it worth it?

Hello all. I am considering swapping out my 12 year old Rega RP3 for a new turntable. I am looking at a beautifully restored Thorens 125 MII with a Sorane TA-1 tone arm and I would be putting my Hana SL cart onto it. My question is, would it be worth it to upgrade my phono stage as well? Or is going vintage not really an "upgrade" in the usual sense? I currently have a Schiit Mani and feeling perhaps I should consider upgrading alongside the turntable. The rest of my system is a Leben 300xs Integrated Amp / Zu Soul 6 loudspeakers.

Thoughts?

128x128avgonzalez77
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,549 posts
 

Yes, the phono stage is a critical component in the chain. As you're looking to use a low output MC, you are somewhat precluded from the many MM only tube phono stages. 

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knotscott
824 posts
 

I definitely it think it could be worth it. Do some careful research, and see what might be the best fit for your rig within budget, and that will best your Mani. 

 

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 

Absolutely worth it.

I bought an older mid-80’s SOTA Sapphire, and still had a Mani as well. Great phono stage for the money. But, then purchased a new Hagerman Trumpet tube phono pre, and it took vinyl play to another level…..especially after some tube swapping…..and a separate power supply.

ghdprentice
6,486 posts
 

Yes, definitely. Phonostages are critical and without a good one you are missing out on your turntable / cartridge. My rule of thumb is to invest as much in your Phonostage as your TT/cartridge. 

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