Will a phono pre-amp make a substantial difference

A great phono preamp can make a huge difference.  I had an NAD C658 streaming preamp with built in phono, I had a nice vintage TT and a Grado Gold MM cart, compared to digital my albums left me wanting to the point I was like…what’s the point!?  Then I jumped in with a black ice audio F159 tube hybrid phono preamp and WOW was I sold!  I’ve since improved my TT and cartridge to a Hana ML moving coil, but the black ice was magic.  I’ve also recently upgraded the interconnects which made a notable difference so don’t skimp on those!

Yes.

My goodness; so much unsolicited advice and advancement of personal preferences to dazzle and befuddle the OP!  "Yes" was the best answer given; we all need to remember that any AI responses (now and in the future) are fed as much on marketing hype as they are on reviews and objective observations.

@fatdaddy2 “AI responses”

Totally with you on calling out AI reviews.

There are people who believe AI reviews!

Has AI now grown artificial human ears?

And yes, there has been enough said to “dazzle and befuddle the OP” already without AI which can say anything, and is ultimately accountable to no one.

I compared the Rega mm/mc against a built in phono in a receiver and couldn’t tell much difference. Then i tried Rogue audio with tubes and separate power supply. What a difference. But that is priced over 2 grand