2. amps-preamps
  3. 140692-119157

Pre-Amp vs. Integrated...why?

I have been a vinyl listener now for over a year and one concept that escapes me is the "need" for a vinyl pre-amp.

I understand the need if your current amp does not have a Phono input, but if you have an amp that has a phono input, why buy a phono pre-amp to run your TT through?

Is it standard thinking that the integrated Phono input is always substandard to a good phono pre + amp setup?

Are there lines that are drawn so to speak, maybe from a dollar standpoint, that clearly mark the quality in phono stage? (i.e., are cheap $50 pre-amps worse than a $300-$400 integrated or vice versa is a $400 integrated usually going to get crushed by the $500 pre + Amp setup?)

Are there exceptions where a lower cost integrated can hold it's own with Pre and Amp setup?

I am in the process of assembling a second Vinyl listening station in my house and want to start from scratch with new and different equipment. Something different from what I have had over the past year.

Can anybody clarify this or demystify this for me?

My current setup:

-LP120 turntable / AT440MLb cart
-Marantz 2220B Amp
-Infinity RS2000 bookshelf speakers

My future/second setup:

-Amp?
-TT? (I have ideas)
-Elac B6 Debut bookshelf speakers (already have)

Room specs are about 12x12 and this is for vinyl listening only. Other stuff is a bonus but not necessary.
jhamond987
mesch
3,401 posts
 
Your Marantz is a receiver having a tuner, phonostage (sometimes called a phono preamp), a linestage preamp and an amplifier. There are integrated amplifiers having a line stage preamp and an amplifier combined. Some also include an internal phonostage. Many prefer a linestage integrated with a separate phonostage for cartridge matching flexibility and sound quality, however this is more true at a budget higher than that under discussion here.

In your specific case I would recommend the purchase of an integrated amplifier or receiver which includes internal phonostage. Check out the  A-Sxxx series as one example. 
big_greg
6,557 posts
 
Internal phono stages typically only accommodate moving magnet cartridges, which is what you have.  There are no options for "loading" the cartridge or changing the gain for low output moving coil cartridges.  Some higher end integrated amps will have some adjustments.  

A good phono preamp will give you a wide range of options for loading, multiple gain settings, and overall much better sound quality than the one included in your Marantz.  

With the turntable and cartridge you have now it probably doesn't matter that much, but if you are on a quest to improve the sound quality of your system it will at some point.
jl35
3,926 posts
 
agree with mesch...but there are some very low cost phono preamps that would match well with your cartridge, so if you find an integrated without a built in phono that you like...I just bought a refurb Cambridge Solo MM phono pre that sounds great with my Ortofon MM cartridge and vintage Yamaha TT
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roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Yes, a separate pre/power amp will beat a receiver for SQ! But the sky's the limit for cost! I, however, like and use vintage gear (have a Marantz 2235) - a large collection! Presently using an RGR 4 preamp, GAS Son of Ampzilla and DCM Time Windows (52779, 52780). Total cost: about $800! SQ to die for! Judicious choices of vintage gear can yield outstanding SQ - at affordable cost!
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