Phono stage/pre amp

[Rythmn Boy]

I'm thinking of buying a new turntable, but some models I see come with a built-in phono stage, which as far a I can tell is much the same as a pre amp. But I have little idea what these things are or if I need them. My current turntable is a Project Debut, about 10 years old (there is something wrong with the motor, it operates erratically and sometimes plays backwards). I don't think it has a phono stage, but the Essential III, which seems to have replaced the Debut as the entry-level Project model has versions with and without built-in phono stage. Is a pre amp/phono stage something you need if you don't have an amplifier? If you do have an amplifier and you also have a phono stage does that enhance the sound?

Totally confused.

I do have an amplifier. It's a Marantz integrated PM4400

Any advice or information you can provide this ignoramus would be much appreciated

 

[Rich Strauss]

Your MM4400 has a built in phono preamp. It's the phono input. Even though, the Marantz is about 17 years old, I suspect that it's phono preamp is as good as the one in the Pro-ject Essential III. So no need to buy a turntable with a build in phono preamp. You can buy an external phono preamp which would probably be an upgrade, but this is not necessary.

 

[Rythmn Boy]

Thanks, Rich. I appreciate the explanation.