Currently I have a Pro-ject 2Xperience SB Dc turntable fitted with a Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge and I’m using the built in phono stage of a Marantz PM8005 and the pre-out to connect to my AVI DM10 speakers and subwoofer.
As I don’t really need the amplifier as the speakers are active I was wondering the sound would be improved if I was to get a dedicated phono preamp. And indeed how much would I need to spend to improve upon the integrated Marantz phono stage. I don’t think I’m ever going to move to moving coil cartridges but may upgrade the 2M Silver at some point.
I’ve considered the Schiit Mani at around £140 and was also wondering about Graham Slee preamps such as the Gran Amp 2 Communicator or Gran Amp 2 Special edition are they much better than the Marantz? If not I’m quite happy to save a bit longer for a Reflex M or even a Trichord Dino MK3 if they are considerably better. I’m aware that Graham Slee do offer a try before you buy scheme but don’t really know which model I should try to get the improvement I’m after.
I’ve often found with the exception of the AVI DM10s sometimes the benefits of upgrading are so small it’s not really worth the expense.
As I don’t really need the amplifier as the speakers are active I was wondering the sound would be improved if I was to get a dedicated phono preamp. And indeed how much would I need to spend to improve upon the integrated Marantz phono stage. I don’t think I’m ever going to move to moving coil cartridges but may upgrade the 2M Silver at some point.
I’ve considered the Schiit Mani at around £140 and was also wondering about Graham Slee preamps such as the Gran Amp 2 Communicator or Gran Amp 2 Special edition are they much better than the Marantz? If not I’m quite happy to save a bit longer for a Reflex M or even a Trichord Dino MK3 if they are considerably better. I’m aware that Graham Slee do offer a try before you buy scheme but don’t really know which model I should try to get the improvement I’m after.
I’ve often found with the exception of the AVI DM10s sometimes the benefits of upgrading are so small it’s not really worth the expense.