Pre-amp newbie question


Hi,

I've recently returned to vinyl after a long hiatus. Please excuse my naiveté on the subject of pre-amps but back in my younger days I couldn't afford such equipment and never really researched it. Now, I constantly have the upgrade bug. My question is: Would I hear a big difference by by-passing my stereo pre-amps phono stage and going with a dedicated phono pre?

I currently have a Rega P3/24 with a Dynavector 10x5. Further down the chain is a Parasound P7 pre-amp and Parasound A21 Amp. The phono stage of the P7 is MM/MC with input impedence of 47k and 100 ohms respectively. With the high output Dynavector the sound is remarkably good but could it be better with a dedicated phono pre-amp?

I'm looking at a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II which has multiple settings for impedence and gain and is compatible with both MM and MC (high and low) carts.

Embarrassingly, the whole subject of ohms, loading and gain confuses the heck out of me so any input would be greatly appreciated.
mjm1124
The OP is still going to have to decide for himself how his current pre-amps phono section compares to whatever he can afford in an outboard unit. Nostrums like "separates are always better" are not practically helpful IMO, though I'm sure they move more gear.
Jrtrent: What is your favorite phono preamp when using a Grado low output cartridge? I use a Grado PH1 with a Grado Signature Sonata 1 and love the sound except for a little background hiss from the PH1.
I never said "separates are always better" but "the best stages are separates" , which is quite different.