Will turntable with phono stage sound better with separate phono stage??

[oldleodensian]

Just acquired a Bush MTT1 with built-in phono amp, surprisingly sounds preetty good through my NAD325BEE (no phono input).

Could I get a better sound by investing in a separate phono stage, e.g NAD PP2 for £40? (or less if I get 2nd hand)

 

[The_Lhc]

How are you going to remove the built-in phono stage from the turntable though if it's, well, built-in?

 

[oldleodensian]

Sorry, should have said, it has a switch underneath turntable to turn off the phono amp.

 

[The_Lhc]

Aha, well in that case, almost certainly, yes, although how much you want to spend on it is another matter.

 

[oldleodensian]

Only willing to spend about £40 to £50, any more than that and I reckon it'd make more sense to invest in a better turntable (like a project debut or genie, for example)

 

[Anonymous]

Then try a Rega fono mini at £55. It's good enough to see you through a couple of turntable upgrades, too. There's also the CA 540p at £59, which is reckoned to be pretty good. But bear in mind the turntable will be the problem with both of these, so you might just be better off sticking with it then going for a new turntable/preamp if and when you decide to upgrade.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I would agree with the latter statement. The TT, arm and cartridge are well-matched to the internal amp, and I doubt if an external amp would improve matters.

The next step up would be a different turntable - possibly for a similar amount (my PL-12d was £25 and the cart was £55) - which would make a whole heap of difference.

But TBH, if you are happy with the Bush, then save your cash for some more vinyl - that's 50 albums at a good boot sale!!!

 

[oldleodensian]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. May stick with what I have for now, unless I get a chance to try a separate phono, just to see what (if any) difference it makes.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I have one of these turntables and it plays records slightly too fast.

Does anyone know how to use the speed adjusters on the underside of the turntable to correct this? The manual doesn't contain instructions on how to do it.

ÿ

 

[link]

Tarquinh:Then try a Rega fono mini at £55.

is rega fono mini better than nad pp-2?

 

[Anonymous]

Link, I have them both and prefer the Rega, better soundstage, dynamics and voicing for the midrange. The NAD has always sounded a bit shut-in to me.

 

[link]

ok thanks, at least now i have an idea 🙂