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Phono Pre-Amp Questions

Hi all, I've posted a few times recently as I have just returned to the joys of vinyl. I've noticed some talk about phono preamps and am curious and interested.
1. Can they really be that much better than the phono stages of a conventional pre-amp?
2. I'll assume they hook up to your power amp,integrated etc, and of course the TT is hooked up to it. Do they come with RCA and unbalanced inputs? My power amp has both and changing the cables every time I want to listen to the TT sounds like a pain.
3. Which models here on the used market would you guys suggest? I have the Pro-Ject Carbon that goes for 400.00 bucks. I would like to spend up to around 300.00 if one worth having can be had for that.
Assoc equip:
Aragon 8008BB Dual Mono power amp
Muscial Fidelity A3cr dual mono pre
PS-Audio P-300 Power Plant
Wharfdale speakers.
Thanks all and I appreciate the responses.
zar
islandmandan
848 posts
 
As with everything else in audio, phono pres come in many different configurations, features, and price tags. For what you're planning on spending, I don't know that you'll find much that betters your current phono stage.

You might look at PS Audio's GCPH, or Jolida. I suggest you subscribe to A'gon's Bluebook, if you don't already. There you can keep an eye on what's available, and current prices. Good luck.

Dan
redglobe
218 posts
 
If you could stretch to $500 for a Jasmine LP2.0MKII, you would have a phono pre that you could easily live with as you upgrade. I chose the Jasmine based on threads of audio forums and received direct recommendations from other veteran audio enthusiasts that appreciate value.

You acquire it through Ebay, direct from China, szeastsun (is the member).
tbromgard
787 posts
 
The shielding offered in a good separate phono stage makes a noticable improvement vs a phono in an integrated amp.

I have a MF 3.2 integrated which has built in phono, and pretty good to0. But no match for the Jolida. Im getting a Jolida unit next week-looking forward to it.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
+2 on the Jolida. IMHO it punches way above even its new price point.
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