How much difference does a phono preamp really make?

IMO the phono stage is more important then the table or the cartridge. We did an experiment a few years back using a reference phono stage and a MM basic cartridge and a JC Penny TT (I believe CEC made it for JC Penny). We were all floored by the SQ yeah some noise but it was so beautiful we all laughed when we found out the TT was labeled JC Penny. I still pull it out on occasion just to prove it to people. That was using a reference quality phono stage. Never tried it with any other one.

We also just modified a Manley Steelhead preamp/phono and the new parts we installed also made a big improvement using the same mid-level TT. So the phono to us was a much bigger improvement then the TT would have been.

Our experiences, others may feel differently.

Happy Listening.

An amazing MM cartridge can be found for $700-1000, this is the price for a basic phono stage, better phono stage normally cost $1500-2500 and what it can make for an average cartridge is to show all the flaws of such cart.

JLTi mk5 from Australia is great new phono stage for reasonable price. Highly competitive with higher priced Gold Note PH-10. I have both.

A phono stage can make a significant difference in my experience!

audionoobie

phono stages make a huge difference... absolutely huge

if you can't hear a difference it is likely because you don't have a good, resolving system set up properly yet (90%), or, that unluckily, you have happened upon two phono stages that sound very much alike (10% chance)...

serious analog folks view the phono stage choice as one of the most important in terms of system building

good luck on your quest

Yes AT VM 760SLC will make a big difference because of the profile but also because it's good match for your tonearm.

I had a Denon 110 on an SL1200 and it was a good jump up going to even to an AT7V. I now have a 1200G with AT VM750...another jump up in resolution.

With that cartridge, you will hear a difference with a better ($1000+) phono stage.