Onhwy61 -- I realize this answer isn't very scientific, but since all phono preamps (or stages) have built-in RIAA de-emphasis circuitry, it stands to (my) reason that they should be "conditioned" by feeding them the frequency/amplitude distribution curve for which they are designed.
As a matter of fact, the supposed advantage of using the Granite Audio CD or the Hagermann unit (instead of the Cardas record,) would be that you could run a higher level signal through the phonostage than it would normally "see" from a (weak) cartridge signal -- sort of like cable cooking.
.
As a matter of fact, the supposed advantage of using the Granite Audio CD or the Hagermann unit (instead of the Cardas record,) would be that you could run a higher level signal through the phonostage than it would normally "see" from a (weak) cartridge signal -- sort of like cable cooking.
.