Hoping for some advice

TSWisla

I posted in audiogon and the asylum as well. I have been using my GFP-750 in passive with my GCPH and I have been wondering, do I really need the thing? I don't own a CD player and I can run the GCPH directly into the amp. The only problem arises when I decide to upgrade the GCPH, I will most likely need to buy a phono pre and pre unless I get another phono pre with a volume control. I guess what I am getting at is, does the GFP add anything to my listening experience? Any advice would be appreciated.

Tom

Joe08867

If your a purest and really want everything out of the way of the signal I would go direct GCPH to your A21.

If you are running the GFP in passive mode it shouldn't be adding anything to the sound.

But the only way to know for sure is to try it.

TSWisla

I did a little experimenting. I found that without the GFP, the sound was more focused, clearer and sharper than with the GFP plugged in. There was also less noise without the GFP. So, the GFP is out. With these results, why would I want to ever add a preamp to my only phono, 2 channel system? I guess that some preamps add gain, but with less noise? What am I missing here?

cstmar01

I think it depends what you are after. I know that some people do gain some gain when running thru a pre and will help them out in their set ups.

However I also see people who are just using a TT as a source do the same as what you have. Get a phono pre with volume control and then skip a pre amp.

It really comes down to your set up though. I don't know of a ton of phono pre's that have a volume control. I can think off the top of my head of like yours and I think Manley's Steelhead does and I know there is another but can't come up with the name.