6 best phono amp for turntable

A phono preamplifier, often referred to as a "phono amp" or "phono stage," is an essential component in a home audio system, particularly when using a turntable. Its primary purpose is to amplify the low-level signal produced by a turntable's cartridge to a line-level signal that can be processed by a standard amplifier or receiver. Here's what you need to know about phono amps:

Signal Amplification: Turntables generate a very weak electrical signal through the stylus and cartridge as they read the grooves on vinyl records. This signal is known as a phono-level signal and is significantly weaker than the line-level signals produced by other audio sources like CD players or digital devices. A phono amp's primary function is to boost this signal to a level that can be properly processed by your audio system.
RIAA Equalization: Vinyl records are recorded with a specific equalization curve called the RIAA curve. This curve reduces bass frequencies and boosts treble frequencies during recording to optimize sound quality and maximize record playing time. Phono preamplifiers include RIAA equalization to reverse this process and restore the original audio signal's frequency balance.
Compatibility: Phono preamps are designed to work with various types of turntable cartridges, which may have different impedance and output level specifications. It's important to choose a phono amp that matches the specifications of your turntable's cartridge for optimal performance.
MM and MC Cartridge Support: Phono amps often come in two types: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges are more common and typically easier to work with, while MC cartridges are known for their high-end audio performance. Some phono amps are designed to support both types of cartridges, while others are specific to one type.
Gain and Loading Options: Phono preamplifiers may offer adjustable gain settings to accommodate different cartridge output levels. Additionally, some models allow you to adjust the input impedance (loading) to match the cartridge's specifications, which can further optimize sound quality.
Connection Options: Phono preamps typically offer both input and output connections. The input is where you connect your turntable, and the output connects to your amplifier or receiver. Some phono amps also include additional features like USB output for digitizing vinyl records.
Sound Quality: A good phono preamplifier can have a significant impact on the sound quality of your vinyl playback. Higher-quality components and circuitry can result in clearer and more detailed audio reproduction.
Stand-Alone vs. Integrated: Phono preamps can be standalone units that require a separate power source or integrated into certain turntables or amplifiers/receivers. Integrated options can simplify your setup but may not offer as much flexibility or upgrade potential.

In summary, a phono preamplifier, or phono amp, is a critical component for any turntable-based audio system. It amplifies the weak phono-level signal from the turntable, applies RIAA equalization, and prepares it for further processing by your amplifier or receiver. Choosing the right phono preamp that matches your turntable's cartridge type and audio system's requirements is essential for achieving high-quality vinyl playback.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best phono amp for turntable on the market

Fosi Audio Phono Preamp for Turntable Preamplifier MM Phonograph Preamplifier with Gain Gear Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier for Record Player with DC 12V Power Supply Box X2

Based on 514 reviews Check latest price

❤Tube MM Phono Preamplifier: Converts phono signals to Line Level Signals with low-noise integrated circuits and high-quality components to remove low-frequency noise ensure clear sound quality. Designed with grounding post to protect your turntable.
❤Three switchable gain modes: 39, 42, 45 dB. Adjustable gain levels to give you customizable control and outstanding compatibility. Entry-Level high-end analog sound and top-notch circuitry for an unbeatable low cost.
❤Tube Preamplifier: It's also a tube preamp with 3.5mm AUX Input. Designed and assembled by Fosi Audio from high-quality components. Great warm, smooth-sounding.
❤Applicable vacuum tube model: 6K4/6J1/6J4/GE5654/6AK5/66*In vacuum tubes, etc. You can replace the vacuum tubes to DIY your stereo system. Different tube with different sound.
❤What You Get: Box X2 phono preamp x1, Vacuum tubes x2, RCA cable x1, power adaptor x1, user manual x1, 18-Month global warranty, and 24-Hour quick customer service.

Product features

Tube Preamplifier

Audiophile-grade amplification modules offers outstanding performance with its Low-Noise Audio Operational Preamplifiers. It's also a tube preamp with 3.5mm AUX Input. Designed and assembled by Fosi Audio from high-quality components.

Gain Adjustment

Three switchable gain modes: 39, 42, 45 dB. Adjustable gain levels to give you customizable control and outstanding compatibility. Entry-Level high-end analog sound and top-notch circuitry for an unbeatable low cost.

MM Turntable Preamp

Suitable for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges. Precise RIAA equalization. Consistent sonic performance, super low-noise. This mini preamp has stereo RCA inputs and stereo RCA outputs Connect the turntable to the RCA inputs and ground.

12V/1.5A Power Adapter

Energy-efficient and stable power supply which got authoritative certification by many security tests.

Replaceable Vacuum Tubes

Applicable vacuum tube model: 6K4/6J1/6J4/GE5654/6AK5/66*In vacuum tubes, etc.

FREE RCA Cable

Fosi Audio Box X2 preamp comes with a FREE RCA cable. Unbeatable low cost for an home audio phonograph preamp.

Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp - Mini Electronic Audio Stereo Phonograph Preamplifier with RCA Input, RCA Output & Low Noise Operation Powered by 12 Volt DC Adapter (PP444)

Pyle

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This electronic preamplifier stands up to the test and will provide you with serious sound performance. The PP444 is perfect for bringing your studio equipment's phono-level output to a more suitable line-level output. It'll take your audio signal, amplify its strength and prepare it for further processing by your receiver or amplifier. Preamps technically provide voltage gain to your desired equipment and are key to assisting the signal source, whether it's a turntable, musical instrument or microphone. The ultra-low noise audio conditioning circuitry allows the preamp to boost audio to levels that are more manageable for various types of audio equipment. You'll find it easier to adjust the recording level volumes of different sources from microphones and instruments alike. You should position your preamp close to the source to reduce unwanted noise and interference. Preamps can sometimes come built into the stereo equipment, but if that's not the case, the PP444 is an easy install, wise choice and great addition to any musician or producer. Take your sounds and audio production skills to the next level with the PP444 Preamplifier. Features: Converts Phono Signals to Line Level Signals State-of-the-Art Circuitry Accommodates Magnetic Pickups Ultra-Low Noise Operation Improves Sound Performance Connects to Turntables and Other Studio Equipment Input Sensitivity: 3mV at 50K Ohms (Phono) Dedicated RCA and 1/4" Output Connectors Output: 2V max (P-P) at 10K Ohms DC 12-Volt Power Adapter Included Frequency Response: 20 Hz ~ 20 KHz ±2dB S/N Ratio (A-WTD): 70 dB - Output Level: 2V THD: 0.08% @ 1KHz and 3mV Input | S/N Ratio: 70dB Input Sensitivity/Impedance/Phono 3 mV/50K Ohms Load Impedance: 10K Ohms - Reference Voltage: 1V d Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.54" x 2.13" x 1.02" Sold as: Unit Weight: 0.85 lbs.

From the Manufacturer

	PP444	PP555	PP999	PHE300	PHE400

	Turntable / Phono Pre-Amplifiers			Noise / Hum Eliminators
Jacks	RCA & 1/4''	RCA & 1/4''	RCA	1/4'' TRS	1/4'' TRS & XLR
12V DC Adaptor	✔	✔	✔

CONVERTS PHONO SIGNALS: A turntable preamp that converts phono signals to Line Level Signals This state-of-the-art circuitry phono preamp can accommodate magnetic pickups with an input sensitivity of 3mV at 50K Ohms
LOW NOISE OPERATION: Offers outstanding performance with it’s Low-Noise Audio Operational Amplifiers The output is 2V max (P-P) at 10K Ohms It’s better to position the preamp close to the source to reduce unwanted noise and interference
CONNECTS TO TURNTABLES: Connect any turntable to modern sound equipment without specialized phono input for amplifying music For the receiver, this can be connected to speakers, computers, laptops and more
SIMPLE PLUG & PLAY: This mini preamp has stereo RCA inputs and stereo RCA outputs Connect the turntable to the RCA inputs and ground Then, connect the amplifier receiver to the RCA outputs
1 YEAR WARRANTY: We guarantee this electric phono preamplifier with both a 30 day no hassle money back return policy and a 1 year manufacturer’s guarantee

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this thing have an/off switch or do you need to plug/unplug everytime you use it
Answer:	no switch. You can plug/unplug, I leave it plugged in all the time.
Question:	Unit works fine for awhile and then starts outputting static, even with no input connected. I've tried it with several amps with the same results
Answer:	Most likely people who are having noise problems it is because of ground loop isolation problem. If you have a ground loop isolation problem grounding the preamp box is unlikely to help. Without getting technical, what you want to buy is a ground loop isolator or a humm eliminator; both the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator tackles the cause of the noise at the fundamental source of the problem, depending on your audio setup, one maybe easier to use than the other. To use the ground loop isolator or the humm eliminator they generally come with instructions, or you can google this topic. If the noise in your audio system isn't fixed by using this solution the first time, try putting the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator at various points in your audio system. Also you can talk to audio people and get advice about how to fix ground loop problems from people who setup big audio systems, for concerts and such; if you talk to the average electronic garage shop audio enthusiast you are likely to get bad advice, i.e., meaningless explanations. Also caution must be used when Googling this topic, much of the discussion, advice and explanation on this topic is bogus, you can get a general correct feel of this topic if you read a number of explanations. Also one more thing that can cause a "popping noise" is that you have too much gain, this is a phono amp and the gain is huge, it takes a 3mV and makes it 2Vp-p this is a gain of around 100 to 200, if you gain up the audio signal too much then the signal out of your amplifier runs out of head room and clips, this can cause a popping sound, essentially you have too much gain. If this is occurring you need to either buy a preamp with less gain or attenuate the signal before it gets to the preamp. If this is a problem, too much gain, you can buy preamps with gain control.
Question:	My turntable has very quiet output. Will this device help boost the volume
Answer:	Yes, indeed. If your need was like mine (no built-in pre-amp on the turntable and no specifically dedicated phono input on your amplifier) you will find this unit to be the perfect solution to needed amplification of the turntable's output. Don't forget to hook up the ground wire as directed or you may wind up putting unwanted noise into the audio.
Question:	My amp DOES have a Phono Input, but my cartridges are low output. Can I use this to boost the signal using the Phono Input to reduce audible hiss
Answer:	No, you can't. This is a phono preamp with RIAA playback equalization that amplifies the signal about 100 times, so it essentially does what your built-in phono preamp does. The output signal from the separate preamp is equalized to a nominally "flat" frequency response and the amplified signal level will overload and probably damage your built-in phono preamp. Plug it into any other stereo line input on your system (AUX, CD, DVD, TAPE, VCR, etc.), but NOT the PHONO input! If you need higher signal gain, maybe look at phono preamps from ART or TCC that have output level controls. If you use moving-coil (MC) cartridges, you need a preamp specifically designed for them...they require at least 55 dB (over 500 times) signal gain vs. about 40 dB (100 times) for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges. Noise becomes a critical issue with MC cartridges because of their extremely low signal output, so good-quality cables and good turntable grounding are essential.