Depends on how much you enjoy your phono section, you should be able to find youself sale/keep the Forte. As for me, I would much rather go with ALL IN ONE unit. You should also consider about usage of MM and MC. If you don't use MC then just get a unit with MM. If you do use low output MC in the future, you should then consider getting a stepup with MM phono stage or get a really nice MM/MC phono section (usually not cheap)
Phono stage and preamplifier opinions....
I am looking for some advice on phono sections. I currently have a Forte Model 40 preamplifier that does not have the phono stage. I am using my old preamp (Hafler DH-110) as a phono stage for the time being. I don't have much money to invest (around the $100-$200 range) but would like to eliminate the cumbersome problem of having a full preamp acting as a phono stage. My TT is a Music Hall MMF 2 with a benz micro mc20e2.
I know there are many decent phono pre's I can get for that amount, but I am wondering if I would be better off selling the Forte and getting a different pre that has a phono section, or to just go for one of the low-end outboard phono sections (music hall, sumiko, parasound, creek...). Meaning, is the onboard phon section of a preamp that is in the range of my Forte Model 40 going to be a lot better than the low end of outboard phono pres.... I'd love to just magically come across some phono cards for the forte, but that seems unlikely.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I know there are many decent phono pre's I can get for that amount, but I am wondering if I would be better off selling the Forte and getting a different pre that has a phono section, or to just go for one of the low-end outboard phono sections (music hall, sumiko, parasound, creek...). Meaning, is the onboard phon section of a preamp that is in the range of my Forte Model 40 going to be a lot better than the low end of outboard phono pres.... I'd love to just magically come across some phono cards for the forte, but that seems unlikely.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.