Upgrading cartridge. Would a phono stage make a difference?

[beneditobeleleu]

Hi guys,

this is my first post on this forum, so thanks for reading.

I'm planning on upgrading my vinyl listening experience, so want to change my cartridge. Any recommendations? It's not for scratch, and am planning on spending something from £80 to £150. The cartridge itself is new.

Another question I have is to do with adding a phono stage to the system. Would it improve the sound quality?

Thanks a lot!

 

[mitch65]

Yes, to answer your second question first, you have a good deck there and it deserves a seperate phono stage to release it's performance. As to what cartridge? try a Denon DL-110, an Ortofon 2M blue for starters.

There's a multitude of choice which I'm sure others will also point you towards

 

[nopiano]

Welcome to the madness!

No disagreement with Denon and Ortofon, I've owned both over the years. Maybe also consider Shure M97xe, Grado to suit your budget, and Goldring, or for a Japanese match, Audio Technica.

For the money, I'd not bother with a separate phono stage as to improve on your Yamaha you'd be looking at £200 plus, which would be money better spent on the cartridge (and servicing your Technics TT if it is getting on a bit).

There is a seperate Turntable topic here and I suggest reading through the many cartridge recommendations there.

 

[Al ears]

I agree with everything nopiano said. It is not worth upgrading to with a phono stage if you are sticking with a moving magnet cartridge better to spend the funds on a more expensive cartridge.

 

[Jambalaya]

If you are using a high output moving coil like the Denon DL110, there is less need for a separate phono stage. Low output moving coils are another story and can benefit from a phono stage like the Clearaudio Nano or Musical Surroundings which offer adjustable loading for the LOMC.

 

[beneditobeleleu]

Thanks guys!

Very helpful.

Will check on the turntable topic and will do some research on the new cartridge.

Cheers!

 

[beneditobeleleu]

Thanks guys!

Very helpful.

Will check on the turntable topic and will do some research on the new cartridge.

Cheers!