[quote user="the_record_spot"]I'm currently running the above amp with the Rega P3, but have been thinking if I can obtain a good step up in sound quality by adding the likes of the Cambridge 640P phono amp? I've heard good things about it - both in terms of sound quality and the quality you get for the £60 or so that it costs.
Would this be a decent step up from the Marantz onboard phonostage, or alternatively, should I also think about Graham Slee's entry level amp? What others ought to be on the shopping list at this pricepoint? I want an open, clear and detailed sound, something that slightly opens up the Rega's warmth but not at the expense of depth. What are the Moving Coil options at this price range as I think the 640P offers this too?
(Secondhand, I'd love to think about a Trichord Dino, but chances are this is probably out the price range...!)
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I'm in the same boat.I also have the Marantz pm6010-KI Sig, with a Rega RB300 (on a Technics SL-1210M5G) tonearm holding an Ortofon VMS20e Mk2 cartridge.
I previously used a Leak 3001 turntable, and when I introduced a Pro-ject phono pre-amp(the first one for £40) with Eccose CA-1 (50cm) interconnects there was definately a small but noticable improvement.The Bass was a little tighter, but the biggest improvement was in the opening of the soundstage.Instruments were a little more spread out, vocals were also more lifelike.I felt though, that the £40 for the pre-amp, and the £40 for the interconnect, was not really justified as the internal phono stage of the Marantz is very good, and more than adequate.
What I have decided though (especially as I have now upgraded to the Technics/Rega/Ortofon combination), is to attempt to upgrade certain components on the onboard pre-amp within the Marantz Amplifier, to try and squeeze out that last bit of performance.The first place I'll start is by replacing all of the capacitors with "Black Gate" caps, and possibly replacing any relevant wiring with silver plated wire.
At the moment though, I'm more interested in replacing the interconnects on the Rega tonearm to supply the pre-amp with the best possible feed.