10 replies to this topic

[Crimmo]

Hey guys,
I'm new to hi fi and vinyl equipment and have just set up my first modestly priced system. It comprises the following:

Marantz Pm6004 Int Amp
Monitor Audio Brx2
Rega Rp1 TT

I am wondering in your opinions, is it worth running a dedicated phono stage instead of using the pm6004's integrated one? I can't really find much discussion on whether or not the integrated phono stage is any good or if it is just "tacked on" as an extra feature. Is there something around a couple of hundred dollars that will increase performance noticeably? Thanks

[Tax]

Hey guys,
I'm new to hi fi and vinyl equipment and have just set up my first modestly priced system. It comprises the following:

Marantz Pm6004 Int Amp
Monitor Audio Brx2
Rega Rp1 TT

I am wondering in your opinions, is it worth running a dedicated phono stage instead of using the pm6004's integrated one? I can't really find much discussion on whether or not the integrated phono stage is any good or if it is just "tacked on" as an extra feature. Is there something around a couple of hundred dollars that will increase performance noticeably? Thanks

It would depend on what that particular integrated is. For instance some folk like the phono section on one of the integrated Shindo amps, but that kind of amp costs more than your current system. Some of the older integrated amps had relatively good integrated phono sections. The majority of vinyl fanatics use a dedicated phono stage. Depending on your budget why don't you contact member Cheekyboy (Keith) and inquire about his Graham Slee loaner program (I am not sure of current pricing). That way you can try it side by side with your integrated and decide whether you like and can afford a dedicated phonostage.

[MarkT]

With a rega rp1 and that level of gear I would stick with the inbuilt phono stage.
Sure you can get better , but you may have to spend as much as the cost of your whole amp to do so.

[Batty]

I'm still using the phono stage on my Copland Integrated amp, sound Q is pretty darn good, but is MM only but I have a home made SUT for when I use MC carts.

So give it a whirl for a while and you may end up like me, using the onboard for 16 years

[bebop]

I second Tax's advice to contact cheekyboy for the Graham Slee loaner program.

I run a Rega P1. I have a Rotel RA1520 with on board phono. My Rega Fono Mini sounded better then the on board Rotel, and the Graham Slee Amp 2 phono stage sounded better still.


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?dj2mr5

[Crimmo]

Thanks a lot for info guys. I'll look into it some more

[Geoffcb]

I second Tax's advice to contact cheekyboy for the Graham Slee loaner program.

I agree. If you're like us, eventually you'll upgrade the TT and cartridge and then you won't need to upgrade the phono stage.

Geoff

[blueywa]

Ditto on the Graham Slee gear - I used and integrated phono stage on my old TT and it was ok.
Now I use a Gram Amp 2 Special Edition with my Thorens 295Mk4 + Ortofon 2MBlue cartridge - The GA2SE will stay even if I change the TT.

[djb]

Does your current integrated have a phono?
If so start with that gives u more budget for a better tt

if not buy a separate phono

[hugo_wilco]

I had a Cambridge 640p ( MM/MC ). Fantastic sound quality for the price.

[blueywa]

If you are happy with your marantz's on board phono stage, then save your money for other things.
But if you feel its lacking in its delivery buy a seperate unit.
I noticed the difference straight away and it gets better every time I use it (burning in) - Im glad I bought it.