Pro-Ject Phono Box E (preamp) do I need it??

[daza152]

Hey guys just after some opions on whether I need to go down this path to get better sound? I currently have a Harman Kardon AVR20II connected to my Luxman PD272 and have been advised by someone I need to get an external phono stage to get a higher quality in sound. Do I need it or not?

 

[bimasta]

No, you don't need it. You "need" water, food, shelter. But you will get better sound.

I'm speaking generally, I've never heard the Pro-Ject, only a dozen other external phono preamps. And note, external doesn't always mean "better", I have a couple of full-function preamps which include phono, and they're better than just about any external stage I've ever heard.

But with the HK AVR, definitely.

 

[qdrone]

As discussed since you have a MM cartridge I would stay pat. Most high end external phono pre amps benefit MC not MM.

 

[bimasta]

Most high end external phono pre amps benefit MC not MM.

You say "high-end" — does that apply to the Pro-Ject, and similar units?

 

[daza152]

As discussed since you have a MM cartridge I would stay pat. Most high end external phono pre amps benefit MC not MM.

can I put a MC cart on my turntable? would it make the vinyl sound better?

 

[daza152]

No, you don't need it. You "need" water, food, shelter. But you will get better sound.

I'm speaking generally, I've never heard the Pro-Ject, only a dozen other external phono preamps. And note, external doesn't always mean "better", I have a couple of full-function preamps which include phono, and they're better than just about any external stage I've ever heard.

But with the HK AVR, definitely.

Hi hey you sound l;ike you know for a fact that an external Phono stage or preamp wouyld benefit me ad I have a HK AVR with my MM cart? whatg do you recommend and keep in mind budget...Is $275US max. Thanks.

 

[daza152]

I've looked at so many but haven't actually heard any just going off reviews. Schiit Mani might be good?

 

[bimasta]

Hi hey you sound l;ike you know for a fact that an external Phono stage or preamp wouyld benefit me ad I have a HK AVR with my MM cart? whatg do you recommend and keep in mind budget...Is $275US max. Thanks.

I have no personal experience with the current crop of preamps — all mine are older. I've seen good reviews of the Schiit Mani you mention. In your place, I'd order one in your price bracket that offers a 30-day return.

 

[D Freeman]

As discussed since you have a MM cartridge I would stay pat. Most high end external phono pre amps benefit MC not MM.

Hi
But this Project phono is not a high end external, it is entry level which is better than the majority of amps in the lower price range with a basic internal phono
Most high end amps don’t have a built in phono (except some beauties like EAR and Aesthetx that have a model with it included which definitely sound fabulous
My external dual mono photos by Whest Audio of UK are close to $20k so that’s definitely high end and I bought a project e for my daughters Rega planar 1 to go with her Harmon Kardon
Horses for courses I say
Cheers

 

[D Freeman]

I've looked at so many but haven't actually heard any just going off reviews. Schiit Mani might be good?

Schiit is very good indeed mate