safulop
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2008
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So, given that the conventional wisdom among the "objectivists" is that all amplifiers sound alike, what do we think about phono stages and pre-amps, step-up transformers etc. Some of these trinkets are $$$$$$, but the question is, will a dedicated phono pre-amp "improve the sound" of a high-end turntable versus the MM phono stage in a comprehensive integrated amplifier at a modest price point (e.g. Onkyo 9050A)?
Does the "amps are all the same" mantra extend into the esoteric realm of cartridge impedance matching and phono pre-amplification?
What if I use a low-output MC cartridge? Then I am forced to buy something on this wild west marketplace - what is the best choice? A simple step-up transformer from Denon can cost over $2K, and you can't even adjust the gain. Meanwhile I could buy a complete phono pre-amp that can handle low-output cartridges for <$300, bypassing my amp's phono stage entirely.
What to do?
Does the "amps are all the same" mantra extend into the esoteric realm of cartridge impedance matching and phono pre-amplification?
What if I use a low-output MC cartridge? Then I am forced to buy something on this wild west marketplace - what is the best choice? A simple step-up transformer from Denon can cost over $2K, and you can't even adjust the gain. Meanwhile I could buy a complete phono pre-amp that can handle low-output cartridges for <$300, bypassing my amp's phono stage entirely.
What to do?