Summary
The top phono preamps.. A phono preamp is one of the finest purchases you can make for your record player, regardless of whether you are a vinyl collector or a hi-fi enthusiast. Consider purchasing one. These mostly tiny external preamplifiers, which are also known as phono stages, take the low signal output that is produced by turntable cartridges and increase it to a level that is loud enough for the AV receiver, stereo receiver/integrated amplifier, or powered speakers to amplify. You may even fine-tune the sound and output of some models so that they are compatible with a certain cartridge that you might be using.
The top phono preamps
There are a lot of current turntables and gadgets that come with their own built-in phono preamps, but if you acquire your own, you may have more control over your sound and even enhance it by adding balance, stability, smoothness, clarity, and even better sound staging. If you are heading into more audiophile-level terrain, some preamps also have extra capabilities, such as the ability to switch between moving magnet (MM) phono cartridges, which are more common, and moving coil (MC) cartridges, which are more expensive.
Due to the fact that there are hundreds of different phono preamps available, we have compiled this list of the top models currently available on the market. First-time vinyl record (LP) listeners, audiophiles, and anyone wishing to purchase a phono preamp at a low cost are all represented in our overview of available alternatives.
best phono preamp for most people
Rega MM Mk5
In the world of turntables and amplifiers, Rega is widely recognized as the industry leader. The Rega Fono MM Mk5 is a phono preamp that is built specifically for the more popular MM (moving magnet) cartridges. MC (moving coil) cartridges are normally only found on turntables that are considered to be of better quality. If you are interested in venturing into the domain of MC, there is a variant of the Fono MC MK4 that is exclusive to MC.
With just enough punch and vitality to recreate any style of music exactly as the artist intended, the Rega Fono MM Mk5 is not only inexpensive but also easy to set up and use. It offers playback that is both detailed and noise-free.
It is true that a phono stage is responsible for amplifying the weak signal that is produced by the cartridge; however, it is also required to process the equalization standards that are applied to all vinyl records by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in order to generate an audio signal that is tonally even. This is explained without getting too bogged down in the specifics of the technology. It is the fact that the Fono MM Mk5 divides the RIAA equalization into two stages that sets it apart from other similar products. These stages are the ordinary signal route and the RIAA equalization circuits. Because of this separation, the Mk5 is able to give playback that is more clear and devoid of distortion. The Mk5 is equivalent to the majority of other phono stages that fall within this price range for its signal gain, which is around 41 dB.
The Fono Mk5 is around the size of a paperback book and has a rather simple design in terms of its physical appearance. The appearance of the aluminum casing is consistent with that of Rega’s other products. The preamp’s aesthetics will also look fantastic in contemporary hi-fi installations, which is another benefit.
Although it is more expensive than some of the other devices on our list, the Rega Fono MM Mk5 is a wonderful option for audiophiles as well as those who are just starting out with their record collection.
- Even and balanced sound
- User-friendly setup
- Custom Rega case design
- Not compatible with MC cartridges
- Pricier than alternatives
best budget phono preamp
Rolls VP29
There aren’t many phono preamps that are more fundamental than the Rolls VP29, yet there are times when simplicity is all that’s required. With dimensions of 3.25 inches in width, 2 inches in height, and 1.5 inches from front to back, the Rolls VP29 is exactly the right size to accommodate RCA ins and outs, a 3.5mm output, a grounding post, and a power connection.
In addition to delivering 42 decibels of gain, the internal circuitry of the VP29 is intended to give fine-tuned playback that is in accordance with the RIAA equalization curve. It is important to keep in mind that the only purpose of this preamp is to convert signals. If you are searching for a phono stage that has gain and equalization settings that may be tailored to your preferences, you should seek elsewhere.
In fact, not even the level of the output produced by the headphones may be altered. In spite of this, the Rolls VP29 Phono Preamp is a plug-and-play winner that does what it sets out to do for less than seventy dollars.
- Under $100
- Simple design and setup
- Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack
- Very bare-bones
- Headphone volume cannot be adjusted
Great for MM and MC cartridges
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
More information on this topic may be found below. The Cambridge Audio Alva Duo is a versatile phono preamp that is suitable for both new and older vinyl records. Under the hood, a state-of-the-art switch mode power supply helps to eliminate hum, and a surface-mounted circuit board helps to further reduce noise, resulting in playback that is crystal clear and very quiet. Additionally, they are coupled in a manner that gives priority to short signal pathways, which results in timing that is both quick and accurate. And in keeping with the sound quality that Cambridge is renowned for with its receivers and integrated amplifiers, the Duo provides a sound that is full and smooth, with a soundstage that is expansive.
The low-frequency rumbles that are caused by scratches and scuffs on a record, as well as those that may be caused by an unbalanced cartridge, are almost eliminated by the preamp of the Alva Duo because of its subsonic filter and balancing adjustment.
When it comes to private listening, we are also pleased to notice a headphone jack measuring 1/4 inch (6.35mm). It is nevertheless a sensible innovation, despite the fact that some customers have complained that the headphone amplifier is not strong enough.
The Alva Duo uses just half a watt of electricity while it is in standby mode, and it shuts down automatically after twenty minutes of inactivity, which leads to a significant reduction in energy use.
- Works with MM and MC cartridge types
- subsonic filter improves vinyl performance
- Includes 6.35mm headphone jack
- Rather pricey
- Headphone amp aren’t very powerful.
best entry-level to mid-level phono preamp
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC
Since Pro-Ject Audio is responsible for producing some of the most high-quality turntables available, it is only natural to assume that the company is also familiar with phono stages. The Pro-Ject Phono Box DC, or any other phono stage for that matter, is designed with the primary objective of delivering a signal that is not only balanced but also low in noise and packed with as much accuracy and depth as is humanly feasible. The use of high-quality circuitry that reduces distortion and other auditory difficulties provides Pro-Ject with the ability to accomplish this goal.
As a result of its compatibility with both MM and MC cartridge types, switching between the two configurations may be accomplished with the easy touch of a button. MM cartridges can be pushed to a maximum of 40 decibels by the Phono Box, whereas MC systems can reach a maximum of 60 dB.
You can acquire a phono preamp that has gold-plated inputs and outputs and dual-mono circuitry for optimal performance for a price that is less than $150. It is a piece of equipment that is simple and unobtrusive, and it will easily blend in with the other audiovisual equipment that you have.
The Pro-Ject Phono Box DC is an appropriate middle ground between entry-level phono stages and preamps that cost thousands of dollars. Although it does not have as many options as other preamps, it is quite versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
- Works with MM and MC cartridges
- High-end circuitry and low-noise signal paths
- Minimalist design
- Not as advanced as other models
A premium phono stage full of features
Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL
The Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL is a premium phono preamp that achieves a polished and clear sound, excels at voices, has a wonderfully rich sound, and even has a little of forwardness (and smoothness) in the bottom end. It should be able to accomplish all of that and more for those who have quality turntables to pair it with, and it does. The price tag suggests that it should be $850.
In addition to being compatible with MM and MC cartridges, the MX-VYNL was designed to provide a performance that is both well-balanced and detail-oriented. In addition to that, it is one of the few phono stages that are equipped with both a balanced single XLR 5-pin input as well as a conventional RCA input. This not only makes it possible to connect two turntables at the same time, but the balanced input also makes it possible to reduce the amount of noise that is produced.
RCA outputs are also included on the MX-VYNL, in addition to balanced XLR outputs, which are much quieter than RCA outputs but have the potential to create a sound that is more accurate and richer than the RCA outputs, provided that you have an amplifier that is compatible with the component.
The MX-VYNL goes even farther with its fine-tuning capabilities, such as its dial for switching between MC and MM and its ability to alter cartridge impedance to the point where it is a perfect fit for any cartridge. You will really be able to alter the parameters while the playback is taking place, which is not the case with other phono stages that include similar options.
In addition, the MX-VYNL is among the finest preamps for RIAA correction, and it gives you the option to choose either the older IEC equalization curve or the more recent one. It is without a doubt more sophisticated than the majority of the other phono stages that we have included on our list; nonetheless, if you are interested in achieving audiophile sound, then a phono preamp such as this one might be an excellent place to begin.
- Rich and immersive soundstage
- Stylish design and intuitive MC/MM switching
- Includes RCA and mini XLR 5-pin connectors
- Expensive
best tube preamp
Fosi Audio Box X2
With its two vacuum tubes that are located in the front and center of the device, the Fosi Audio Box X2 is able to offer significant results thanks to its antique engineering.
In order to ensure that you always have music that is crystal clear, the X2 is intended to eliminate as much low-frequency noise as possible during the playback of LPs. This is accomplished by the use of low-noise integrated circuitry and high-quality components. In order to ensure that you never have to worry about having sufficient power to match your MM cartridge, you will have the ability to choose gain levels that range from 39 to 42 to 45 decibels. However, in the event that you have a cartridge that requires a little boost, it is available to you. An integrated tube preamp that has a 3.5mm AUX input is another feature that we are pleased to find.
To make things more convenient, the vacuum tubes in the X2 may be replaced with various types of tubes. This means that you will be able to experiment with numerous brands and types of amplifiers and speakers in order to get the sound that you want. This is a wonderful feature for those who are passionate about high-fidelity audio.
PROS
- Three different gain settings
- Solid price
- Not compatible with MC cartridges
- Tubes can get very warm.
best money-is-no-object phono stage
Parasound JC3+
A sturdy and feature-rich component, the Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamp was developed by the legendary master circuit designer John Curl, who was also responsible for the equally legendary Vendetta Research phono preamp. Audiophiles praise the Parasound JC3+ Phono Preamp for its wide soundstage, realistic imaging, refined detail retrieval, and excellent neutrality.
Every single one of the JC3+ connections is intended to produce the least amount of noise and hum as possible. This is accomplished by having Vampire 24K gold-plated RCA inputs and unbalanced outputs, in addition to balanced Neutrik XLR outputs. Additionally, the 24K gold-plated copper traces that are found on the phono module boards adhere to the same operating principle. In order to ensure that the transmitted signal is as clear as possible, even the power supply and AC lines are constructed with low-carbon, mild steel barriers.
In addition, the JC3+ comes with an incorporated mono switch that may improve the sound quality of older mono LPs. Additionally, it has an AC polarity reversal switch that can reduce the hum that is produced by many computers and other electronic devices. The impedance adjustment knobs, as well as the variable MC, fixed MC, and MM selection choices, make it possible to precisely pair with a broad variety of moving coil and moving magnet cartridges.
By comparison to many other components, the Parasound JC3+ is more of a boutique component, and its pricing reflects that distinction. The noise-free playback, the customizing choices, and, of course, the fact that Curl’s name is on the device are all things that audiophiles would enjoy from the product.
- 24K gold-plated inputs and outputs
- Built-in line conditioner for reduced noise
- mono switch improves sound for vintage LPs
- MM and MC are compatible
- Very expensive
- Might be overkill for most users
Explain what a phono preamp is
Despite the fact that outstanding amplifiers and receivers that come equipped with phono inputs are seeing a renaissance in line with the return of vinyl, many contemporary devices have eliminated the phono connection in order to reduce their prices. This hole is filled by an external device known as a phono preamp, which boosts the output of a turntable so that contemporary electronics can play it at the appropriate volume level. Additionally, it adds equalization that is specified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which improves the accuracy of the music.
The two most common reasons for purchasing a stand-alone phono preamp are as follows: either your turntable or amplifier does not have a built-in phono preamp, or you have made the decision to improve your setup to provide a higher quality of sound than what is provided by the alternatives that are built into your equipment.
It is possible to spend a significant amount of money on a high-end solution, but, fortunately, there are a vast number of models that provide excellent sound quality at a price that is quite fair.
The RIAA equalization scheme is what?
In 1954, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) established this equalization (EQ) standard for the playback of vinyl records for two reasons: the first was to standardize the sound quality of all vinyl records, and the second was to allow for longer recording times by ensuring that the actual grooves in each record conformed to a smaller size. This standard option is still the one that the great majority of phono preamps adhere to. This setting ensures that the audio signal of every record is as constant as possible, regardless of the system that you use.
What exactly is a stylus?
The thin section of a tonearm that makes contact with the grooves of a record is referred to as a turntable stylus. This component is also known as a needle. At all times, a stylus is linked to the cartridge, which is responsible for converting the tangible inputs into the electrical outputs. Styluses often come with a little diamond or another kind of high-quality gemstone attached to their clasps. If you want to have exceptional playing, it is highly necessary to keep the stylus clean and free of static. Therefore, it is recommended by experts that you use a record brush with each and every usage.
A cartridge is what exactly?
Small electromechanical components known as phono cartridges are responsible for transmitting the analog signal that originates from the grooves of a vinyl record to a comprehensive audio system. They are equipped with specialized transducers that generate an electric audio signal by converting the physical differences in the grooves into an electric signal using magnets and copper coils.
A moving magnet cartridge—what exactly is it?
It is possible that you have already realized that moving magnet cartridges make use of moving magnets in order to generate an electrical signal from the analog inputs of the stylus. In comparison to moving coil cartridges, moving magnet cartridges provide a sound that is more refined and less obtrusive. Due to the fact that they are available in a standard size that is compatible with the majority of turntables, they are not only less costly but also simpler to use. However, there are several kinds of magnet cartridges that may be used with a wide range of turntables of varying quality.
A moving coil cartridge—what exactly is it?
It is important to note that moving coil cartridges operate differently from moving magnet cartridges. Instead of moving the magnet directly, the stylus is responsible for manipulating coils that are around it in order to generate an electrical signal. There are a lot of individuals who believe that this system delivers enhanced tone and reduced distortion; nevertheless, in order to get these results, it needs a complicated setup and a specific phono preamp. The price of moving coil cartridges is much higher than the price of moving magnet cartridges, maybe due to this same reason.
