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Should I purchase an expensive phono preamp

I have a Nottingham Horizon TT with the Rega 250 arm and a Goldring 1000 series MM cartridge. This is hooked up to a Pioneer Elite VSX-99 AV receiver that has a built in phono stage. I am trying to improve on the phono stage but I am wondering if there will be diminishing returns going to the more expensive stages. I am considering Lehmann BC, Graham Slee Era Gold V and AcousTech PH-1. I listen to Jazz, Old School R&B and Classic Rock music mainly.
ejcpa
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
You can easily improve on the MM phonostage that's in the receiver, and for not a lot of money -- certainly not what the stages you mention will cost. You have a nice TT and arm, but your cartridge and receiver (more the receiver) are the limiting factors sonically, and so a very modest phonostage will get you all that the cartridge and receiver are capable of delivering IMO.

One day when you have the money, you could invest in a receiver from one of the better domestic manufacturers. It will most likely have a great MM/MC phonostage built in. Save your money for now.
ejcpa OP
16 posts
 
Any that you would recommend?
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Well, I'd keep it under $200. That lets out even the Creek OBH-18 by $25. But there's the Parasound or Project Phono Box for $150/120 from Music Direct, or from Audio Advisor the little Bellari Rolls tube unit for $150 -- also doubles as a headphone amp, and will add the warmth of tubes to your (very very solid state) receiver.
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