Which preamp for a Linn Sondek LP12

[Rainman127]

I have a friend that has a Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. He has it running into a Parasound ZPhono Phono Preamp. He just purchased a new Marantz AV7002-MKII preamp earlier this year and is wondering if he should just use the phono input on the Marantz or keep the Parasound in the mix? Do you think there would be a discernible difference in sound quality if he uses the Marantz?

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a friend that has a Linn Sondek LP12 turntable. He has it running into a Parasound ZPhono Phono Preamp. He just purchased a new Marantz AV7002-MKII preamp earlier this year and is wondering if he should just use the phono input on the Marantz or keep the Parasound in the mix? Do you think there would be a discernible difference in sound quality if he uses the Marantz?

I don't think there it will be possible to discern the difference unless either the Parasound or the Marantz phono input suits the sensitivity of his particular cartridge better then the other. Try is both ways and if no difference just use the Marantz inputs and save a box and cables.

 

[class a]

What type of Linn. They come in many modifications. Arm, cart, power supply (Lingo or Valhalla),pre- Cirkus etc. As far as the 2 preamps mentioned not much difference just stick w/the Marantz. If you want something better move up a few hundred dollars to Lounge Audio or the Parks Audio Budgie.

 

[TLS Guy]

What type of Linn. They come in many modifications. Arm, cart, power supply (Lingo or Valhalla),pre- Cirkus etc. As far as the 2 preamps mentioned not much difference just stick w/the Marantz. If you want something better move up a few hundred dollars to Lounge Audio or the Parks Audio Budgie.

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a phono pre amp. It is a very simple circuit. Even a relatively sophisticated one still has a very low part count. This one is by Lindsey Hood is widely regarded as the most accurate and the best of the lot.

As you can see it has a very low part count, although a little more than pre amps costing thousands.

You can get the plans and all you need from vinyl engine.