Preamp Phono Stage v Standalone + Linestage


I am thinking of changing preamps, and am wondering peoples thoughts on pros and cons of using a Preamp with an Integrated Phono Stage vs a Standalone Phono Preamp (that then feeds a linestage preamp, yes?)

I have never had a standalone phone preamp

Hoping for a lively discussion and also recommendations and favorites
lester_ears

Showing 1 response by dirtyragamuffin

There are pros and cons for each. In my experience, there are some very nice phono amps integrated in line amps, this also means the signal doesn't need to travel through an extraneous, longish run of a potentially expensive interconnect. Some people prefer the flexibility of a seperate phono amp, however, as it allows you to use different amps for different applications. That gets pretty exensive ;)

I have been seriously enjoying my JJ Electronic 243 integrated 12ax7 tube preamp. The phono section is driven by four tubes and sounds wonderful. The 243 is very affordable; got mine at $1550 and I prefer to some preamps costing twice as much or more. It's really a very good, overacheiving preamp IMHO and I'd recommend it.