Adding a phono stage component ? Advice needed


Would like to venture into vinyl but my current preamp doesn't have a phono stage. Could a second preamp be used solely for the phono stage? Currently using the amps balanced output to the preamps balanced input. Could the amps unbalanced outputs be run to another preamp for phono stage use? Current system consists of:
Adcom GFA-5802
Adcom GFP-750
Adcom gcd-750
zenieth
You need a separate component called a phono pre-amp or phono stage that is specially designed to do 2 things: bring the very low output voltage of the cartridge to the necessary input voltage of a line stage and secondly to apply the RIAA equalization curve, which is essentially a kind of frequency response shaping circuit to make for inherent problems in the response of an LP record. You will need either a pre-amp with a built in phono stage or a separate unit. So the signal chain goes like this Phono cartridge to phono stage (phono pre-amp to line stage (pre-amp to power amp. BTW, pre-amps outputs drive power amp inputs, not vice-versa.
Your best bet is to purchase a nice outboard phono stage with a separate power supply.. I use the Clearaudio Micro Basic with my ARC gear... Then use one of the inputs of your
preamp with the line out of the phono stage...
Check out www.needledoctor.com for a ton of different phono stages... That is the best way to start!!
Happy listening,
Joe
Custom Audio LLC
When I faced the same decision I used an old SAE Mk XXX preamp just for its phono stage. It worked fine but looked a little clunky and dated. After reading a favorable review in Stereophile magazine, I splurged on a $200 Rotel RQ970-BX dedicated phono pre-amp. Mine has been trouble free and sounds just fine. Last time I looked there were a couple for sale here on Audiogon going for $100 - $125. The Rotel ought to mate well with your Adcom stuff. Cost effective and highly recommended!