Any need for Phono stage with Brio


Have had my setup for a little while now.

Brio AMP
Planar 3 with Elys 2 
Neo TT PSU
Q Accoustics 3020i speakers

Wondering if the addition of the Phono MM from Rega would benefit me.

Thanks
bur70n
@viridian many thanks for that he makes a good argument towards the MP-200, looks like I might head that way too.. I guess my budget would be around £500
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I listen to a various array of music, a lot are second hand and the others are new. Range from Jonathan Wilson to Dance to Elton John and Blue Oyster Cult etc.. I do use a record cleaner too. Stereo and Mono.

I guess a budget would need to be set as the choice could out cost the system?
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@viridian and @lowrider57 which one would you recommend I look at when the time comes?
Since you're pleased with your current system, your phonostage is fine. I agree with @viridian that a new  cartridge will be the most dramatic upgrade.

Many thanks for the replies, it has come about since reading some reviews etc and got me thinking about this when a Arcam rPhono was used with the Brio.

I am happy with the sound and enjoy what is played, vinyl sounds lovely and had listened to the Brio and Planar 3 with the Elys 2, I was a little skeptical with it after hearing what people had to say but for me (listening from Planar 1 upwards) this had a good sound as a whole.

The cart might be something that I upgrade but I have been looking at speakers recently also which will need to be in white as there appears to be more of a range these days compared to when I purchased mine.
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The first question is how does your vinyl playback sound to you now? Are you finding flaws in the performance?

Second, will a stand alone phono preamp sound better than the built-in phonostage in the Brio? The answer is yes and no.
If you purchase an entry-level phono preamp or a mid level Rega, there would not be a significant increase in SQ. It’s a horizontal move.
For a significant upgrade, you would need to move up to the next level of sonic performance and build quality. Perhaps a tube phonostage would be in order.

With regard to your cartridge, you can do a lot better than the Elys. My advice is to upgrade to an external phono preamp when you're ready, but audition a couple at a retailer or purchase with a 30 day trial period.
Once you’re pleased with the phonostage, a cartridge upgrade should be next.


The Brio has a pretty good phono stage.  The Phono MM would probably not be a big step up in quality (if at all).  You've got a nice, solid system there, and if you're looking for a better phono stage I would recommend something above the Phono MM.  

Best, Scott
Is that a typo? Because it feels like you're asking about a better phono stage while saying MM when you already have a MM cartridge.
What exactly is the question?