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Phono Stage Question

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Sat, Mar 2 2013, 4:46PM
sparky2108
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Hi,

Relatively new into the whole Hi-Fi Seperates (lifestyle - because that is what it's slowly becoming), I would like some advice using external phono stages.

Basically, I am looking at slowly upgrading/buying new kit and I have been told a phono stage would be a good place to start with. I only tend to listen to vinyl hence the lack of other seperates at the moment, so was wondering how much difference would I expect to hear purchasing a good phono stage rather than using my Yamaha AS-500s phono output .

Any replies would be welcome and please excuse if I have missed anything (this is a first post after all).

Thanks

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Rega Planar 3, Ortofon MC15 Super II, Yamaha AS-500, Tannoy Revolution DC6, AudioQuest TFLX-SLiP 14/4 Cable.

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Sat, Mar 2 2013, 10:21PM
#1
nopiano
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RE: Phono Stage Question

Welcome, sparky!

Are you using a MC pre-amp or transformer not listed in your signature?  AFAIK the Yamaha has a good MM pre-amp, but your Ortofon is a low-output type, so definitely needs more help.  This will make a HUGE difference!

Alternatively, consider upgrading to a newer cartridge - the Vivo Red is £200, but you'd get 25% off if you px your old model (in the UK).  How old is your MC15 super?

http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/Ortofon%20Trade-In%20Scheme%20Explained-c583

http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/ui/support/support-product-details.aspx?P...

Generally, a separate phono preamp will give you better sound and greater refinement, but by the same token will open the window wider (so more muck flies in).  I'd imagine that say £300 on a decent preamp might be better spent of a new cartridge or upgrading the TT - near to a RP6 - with power supply and belt tweaks.  On the face of it, I'd improve the TT first, then the cartridge and then the preamp.  By then, i might be considering upgrading the whole amp....!      

 

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Hi-Fi: Krell KAV-300cd, Michell TecnoDec/RB250/Grado Prestige Black1, KAV-300i amp, Transparent balanced interconnects and bi-wire to Sonus faber Concerto grand piano speakers, Nakamichi ZX-7 cassette deck, Logitech Squeezebox Touch, Hitachi FT-5500 and Sony S570ES tuners, BCD Engineering stand, RA Powerlink, Chord powerchord, Grado SR60i cans.

AV: Sony Bravia KDL-32EX503 telly, BDP-S370 player with QED HDMI. Currently unused: Denon AVR-1705, DVD-1710, KEF KHT1005.2 

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