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View Full Version : Onkyo Phono stage Vs External ....


Utterchaos
08-02-2018, 16:01
Hi All,

I currently have a Rega Planar 1 connected to my Onkyo RZ800 with the LR Pre-Out going to the Main In of a NAD c350. With the Onkyo in Pure mode (no processing?) it sounds way better than the Onkyo on its own.

I'm interested in your opinions as to whether pushing the TT directly into the NAD's DISC input via a £100-£200 Phono Stage would sound better?

As I use the Onkyo for many other sources it's going to mean putting an RCA switcher thingy in place of the Pre Out/Main In jumpers so I can select the either:

Nad Pre out > NAD Main IN
Or
Onkyo Pre out > NAD In Main IN

I suppose it all depends on the quality of the Onkyo's Phono Stage and Pre Amp? Also, whether an RCA switch is going to decrease quality...??
Bigman80
08-02-2018, 16:11
The investment you want to make isn't really going to provide much of a difference unless you drop lucky on a £200 phonostage. There are some good ones but are you going to get the best out of it? .
What cartridge are you using?
Utterchaos
08-02-2018, 16:57
Just the one it came with, a Rega Carbon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Smegger68
11-02-2018, 16:08
Just the one it came with, a Rega Carbon.

Forget the phono stage, you need a better cartridge before you even consider it. Plenty of good choices for £200 or thereabouts.... what sort of sound do you like?
Bigman80
11-02-2018, 16:41
Just the one it came with, a Rega Carbon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProYep, spend the money on a cart. Worry about the rest later.
Utterchaos
13-02-2018, 11:20
Cheers both.

I'm not convinced that the cart is my weakest link.. there should be a new thread on that...
Stratmangler
13-02-2018, 11:24
Nick Gorham has recently released a budget stage.
It might well fit the bill.
http://www.longdogaudio.com/project/longdog-audio-ph1-moving-magnet-phono-stage/
RothwellAudio
13-02-2018, 11:37
I'm not convinced that the cart is my weakest link..
What's convinced you that the Onkyo is the weakest link? There's a common assumption that an onboard phonostage will always be out-performed by an outboard phonostage, but that isn't necessarily true.
walpurgis
13-02-2018, 11:39
What's convinced you that the Onkyo is the weakest link? There's a common assumption that an onboard phonostage will always be out-performed by an outboard phonostage, but that isn't necessarily true.

I agree.
Utterchaos
13-02-2018, 11:43
What's convinced you that the Onkyo is the weakest link? There's a common assumption that an onboard phonostage will always be out-performed by an outboard phonostage, but that isn't necessarily true.

I guess its a "Jack of all trades, master of none" assumption. I also feel that the Pure mode is never as pure as it could be....
RothwellAudio
13-02-2018, 13:21
Well, looking at the back panel of the Onkyo there are certainly a lot of trades that it's being a jack of.

Also, whether an RCA switch is going to decrease quality...??
I wouldn't worry about a switch causing problems.