What to Know Before You Buy a Phono Preamp

If you’re just getting started with vinyl or have decided to enhance the sound of your analog setup, one of the most crucial components to understand is the phono preamp, also known as a phono stage. It’s often an overlooked ingredient, but selecting the right preamp can be the difference between a good listening experience and a great one.

In this guide, we’ll simplify the purpose of a phono preamp, explain how to select one, and outline the key characteristics to listen for. Whether you are looking to build your first system or simply need an upgrade to your reference rig, the folks at Elusive Disc have you covered.

What Is a Phono Preamp?

A phono preamp is a component that amplifies the signal from your turntable’s cartridge and equalizes it, allowing the sound to be mixed with other audio sources. It goes between your turntable and your amplifier, receiver, or powered speakers.

Suppose you connect a standard line-level input (line-in) on your amplifier or receiver to a turntable and attempt to play the record back. In that case, you will hear very low and tinny music that is not only “too quiet” but also completely inaccurate because the RIAA equalization is not being applied.

While this may be the case, most turntables output at phono level, which will need to be boosted to line level. A decent phono preamp doesn’t just boost the signal; it maintains the clarity, warmth, and detail of your vinyl.

Do I Need an Outer Phono Preamp?

It depends on your gear. You require an external phono preamp if:

• Your amplifier or powered speakers do not have a “Phono” input
• Your turntable does not feature a preamp built into its system
• You need better sound quality than what the built-in preamp on your computer or smartphone offers.

Some turntables, such as the Audio-Technica AT-LPW40WN, add a phono stage. Others, such as the Rega Planar 3, need an external phono preamp.

MM vs. MC: Know Your Cartridges

Before you buy a phono preamp, determine your cartridge type:

• MM (Moving Magnet): The most common for entry and mid-level turntables. More output means more flexible matching with phono stages.
• MC (Moving Coil): Less output, more detailed, and in many cases favored by audiophiles. Needs more gain and accurate impedance matching.

Some phono preamps handle only MM. Others, such as the Sutherland KC Vibe MkII, cater for both MM and MC with switchable settings.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing a phono preamp, look for these features:

Gain Settings

Gain is selectable to place the response at 33/45, fifty/fifty, or up to six dB more or less in case “hot” 180g pressings are a bit overwhelming. This is critical for MC cartridges and even certain lower-output-level MM models.

Load Settings (Impedance/Capacitance)

By perfecting the load settings, you can match your cartridge’s electrical properties for superior frequency response and tonal balance.

External vs. Built-In Power Supply

Preamps that use an external power supply usually produce less noise and are less susceptible to AC noise. Models such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 compact high-end phono preamplifier deliver audiophile performance inside a smaller case.

Output Type: RCA or Balanced?

Some of the top-of-the-range preamps feature balanced (XLR) outputs, which are ideal for use with long cable runs and help avoid interference. Useful for reference systems or when there are large displacements between gears.

Top Phono Preamps at Elusive Disc

Check out some of the top-rated models in our Female celebrity photographers section.

Musical Fidelity V90-LPS

Portable, cheap, and do MM and MC. A hit with vinyl newbies and audiophiles on a budget.

Sutherland Insight

A substantial step up for listeners prepared to uncover more detail. Suitable for MM and MC with ultra-low noise performance.

Manley OASIS

A high-end all-tube phono preamp with precision RIAA equalization and flexible gain/loading for MM and MC cartridges. Handcrafted in the USA, it delivers exceptional analog sound with striking build quality.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t Assume “Line In” is “Phono In”

“Line In” does not provide the gain or RIAA curve required for vinyl playback. You’ll end up with a weak, tinny sound if you don’t route through a decent phono stage.

Don’t Overlook Your Cartridge Specs

Know what you are pushing to power, and what the load settings should be. Pairing them with your phono preamp is crucial to great sound.

Don’t Ignore Upgrade Potential

Even if you start with an MM cartridge today, you might want to switch to an MC later. A flexible phono preamp today can help keep your system future-proof.

Final Thoughts: A Little Box That Will Make a Big Impact

The cartridge on your turntable is only as good as the phono preamp that follows it. Whether you have a basic system or a top-of-the-line analog rig, the right phono stage helps make your music sound more dynamic, more detailed, clearer, and just more fun to listen to in general.

At Elusive Disc, we offer a carefully selected inventory of phono pre-amps for music lovers of all listening levels, with the advice you need in deciding what gear will best fit your needs. Explore our complete selection of phono preamps and find out just how much potential you’re missing in your vinyl setup.