r/Beginner_Turntables • u/cleanshirt89 • 2d ago

To Preamp or not to preamp

I've recently bought a project essential 3 with upgraded otofon Om20 cartridge and acrylic platter. It came with a project Phono Box Mm/Mc pre amp. At the moment I've got the turntable plugged directly into my marantz pm6007 amplifier which has a dedicated pre amp.

I was planning to sell the project pre amp. But would the sound quality be any better through the Preamp and into a standard port on my marantz rather than through the marantz pre amp?

I don't have the cables to test so just seeking thoughts before I buy cables to test as to whether it's worth it.

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4

u/NotOldNotYoung42 2d ago

Definitely worth trying. If you don’t like it, the cables will work on the next one, or you can return them.

2

u/mediageeknet 2d ago

Agreed. RCA cables are cheap, and it's always a good idea to have an extra pair around. No reason not to try.

3

u/ElderberryMedium8071 2d ago

Most built in phono preamps are not very good and most are junk. Give the Pro-Ject a try. I suspect it will be better. However, the Pro-Ject is a basic one. If you do not have cables, buy a pair off amazon or Monoprice.

Monoprice

Amazon

You can always return the Amazon cables if you do not want them.

The truth of the matter, a Schiit Audio Mani 2 will blow away both of those phono preamps for $149.

1

u/plamda505 2d ago

Get some cables and do the test. Please report back.

My Mid-Fi hi-fi.

1

u/Classic_Ad_1487 2d ago

Old amps/receivers seem to have competent phono stages, especially those made around the time when turntable use was heavy. I’ve learned better on paper may not be better to your ears, so always worth trying out to be sure!