Phono pre direct to amp, what am I missing?


I have only one source in my system (turntable) and don't plan on adding any others. I'm thinking of getting rid of my integrated amp and was curious about running my phono pre direct to a standalone amp. I guess my question is, what am I missing by not having another pre-amp in the middle? Is the pre-amp just acting as an expensive volume control knob when using only an external phono pre? if that's the case, I would rather spend more $ on the amp and maybe even upgrade my phono pre to the next level with the money I would have been spending on a pre-amp.
vortrex

Showing 1 response by plato

Most preamps also add between 10 and 20dB of gain, so it depends on the efficiency of your speakers and the gain of your phono preamp and cartridge as to whether or not you would have adequate gain to play at the volume level you like.

If you have reasonably efficient speakers and adequate gain between the cartridge and phono preamp then you could do it.
The worst that could happen is that you won't have enough gain when you hook it all up.

You might try a PS Audio GCPH because it offers volume control, muting, and polarity reversal via the remote control. And they can be bought between $500 and $600 on the used market. Just remember that you will need a volume control somewhere...