MusicDirector
New member
- Joined
- May 21, 2013
- Messages
- 2,013
- Thread Author
- #1
I'm going to use my TCC TC750LC Phono preamp for now and install and set up my Shure M97xE and see how that goes. (If I can even set that table up. Something tells me I will be taking pictures and desperately flying in here asking for help). If that doesn't sound good (I suspect it won't as it wasn't that good on my Pioneer), then I'm going to try an AT95E. Failing that I'd get an AT440MLA. I have been advised to get it from Needle Dr, but having experience with them, while they are a trusted vendor for sure, however they also gouge in my opinion. Needle Dr wants $60 more than Amazon or JR Music World for the AT440MLA. I'm going with JR Music/Amazon. I would like a Ortofon 2M Bronze, but without the downstream electronics to support it, it won't do any good. I need to get a good phono preamp to justify a Bronze ($400 needle on a $200 TT). the AT440MLA may not even sound good without a "better" phono preamp. Unfortunately, I have no way of trying a "better" preamp such as a Musical Surroundings, so I won't be getting a better preamp ever. I'm not willing to scrimp and save up $600 to spend on something that may not make a bit of difference. I need to "know" it will make a notable (not subtle) difference, then I'd gladly try for it no matter how long it takes. I'm told I have to spend at minimum $1200 on a preamp to benefit. That's real heavy diminishing returns to me and a waste. All I want to do is play records on my other system without costing $20 or more every time I play one. It's bad enough having to re-buy a new super expensive needle every 2 years.