Do I need a separate phono stage?

[admin_exported]

I'm buying a Pro-Ject Debut III turntable, and I'm unsure whether I need a separate phono stage. I'm a huge music fan, but not an audiophile, by the way, so I hope you'll bear with me, as I know very little about hi-fi.

My amp is a Cambridge Audio A500. It has a channel for aux/phono, but I don't know if this means there's a separate phono preamp in there or not. Little help?

 

[Anonymous]

Having a blonde moment so I'll retract my post cos I dont know what I'm talking about. Still unable to delete........

 

[Anonymous]

Hi idiotbear,

Welcome to the forums, I think you'll find them a great help, I certainly have.

I think the A500 phono stage is optional, so it's difficult to know if yours has one fitted, perhaps one of the clever guys on here will be able to tell you.

I had a Debut II for 10 years and it's a great wee turntable, so I'm sure you'll get alot of pleasure from your Debut III. If you do need a phono stage, I'd highly recommend the Project MM, which is around 60 quid, and was a big improvement on the built in stage on my old Arcam A65+. Pair it with a decent interconnect, maybe a Chord Crimson or Cobra, and sit back and enjoy your vinyl.

Cheers,

Shuggie