Marantz Phono Stage Question

[Ethan Creer]

Hey, I have a Marantz 1060, and I play a lot of vinyl. I use the built in phono stage (with a 2M Blue), but I was wondering if i would see a considerable increase in sound quality if i bought an independent phono stage with a budget of about 200-300? Like the Project Phono Box S? I'd really like to know, thanks

 

[Freddymac2]

IMO there is a lot to be gained over the 1060 front end in SN and accuracy. Many here feel that MM carts are equal to the cheaper MC carts. I have been able to hear more detail and clearer separation of instruments on well recorded vinyl so I would look for units that can accommodate both MM and MC cartridges. Some of the MC cartridges are high output where you don't need any extra gain to use them. Some low output MC cartridges need a special gain Step-up Transformer, and in this higher price range you have to match your cart with the SUT to get the best output. I have read that the Project is fairly good, for what it costs. Some of the Chinese tube gear doesn't have enough gain, so do your research, with the help of a local AKer so you can actually hear any difference, on the music you love. If the recording isn't well done there is no advantage. in fact it will sound worse.

 

[Chrisxo55441]

The 1060 has a wonderful phono stage i dont think you would improve on it with ss mm pre under $400. Moving to a tube pre might give you a different sound you could like better. I have a rega fono pre it retails around $400 and i didnt hear any improvement it sounded about the same as the 1060. Unless you want to move up to better cartridge you should just stick with the 1060 phono stage, i have a couple of pricey phono stages and MC carts but i dont use them with my 1060 i stick with the built in one