Denon PMA 355UK phono stage quality

[Skiman]

Hi all,

I'm wondering if anyone out there could advise as to the quality of the phono stage in this amp? I'm considering a purchase of a separate phono stage (2nd hand Project/Cambridge MM & MC up to approx. £50:00) and was wondering whether, in your opinion, this would be a noticeable improvement.

Running an Inspire Apollo double plinth TT fitted with an Origin Live Alliance tonearm and Denon DL 110 HOMC cartridge into the amp into Tannoy Mercury V4 speakers. It sounds pretty good to me but you know how the "what if...." bug gnaws away at one!

Any thoughts/advice greatly advised.

Regards

Stefan

 

[iMark]

I used to own a Denon DRA-1000 stereo receiver that looks like the same vintage as your amp. I couldn't find anything wrong with the phono stage. If it hadn't developed a fault, it would still be in our setup. We only tend to buy replacements if a component breaks down or if completely new features arrive.

Phono stages have only become a matter for long discussions because a lot of producers stopped fitting them as standard in amps and receivers. Denon, Marantz, Yamaha and a few others have always supplied their amps and receivers with phono stages. In the analogue era most people simply bought a stereo that included an amp or receiver with a phono stage. Only the very high end users would consider buying an aftermarket phono stage.