Do I need a phono preamp? A clear, honest explainer
The phono preamp is the part of a vinyl setup most newcomers have never heard of, and it is the one that quietly decides whether your records sound right or sound wrong. The good news: it is simple once explained. Here is what it does, and how to tell whether you already have one.
Contents
What a phono preamp actually does
A turntable's cartridge produces an extremely small signal, far weaker than the signal from a CD player or a streamer, and it also comes out with its tone deliberately altered in a standard way called the RIAA curve. A phono preamp (also called a phono stage) does two jobs: it boosts that tiny signal up to a normal line level, and it reverses the RIAA curve so the music sounds correct. Without one, a record plays far too quietly and sounds thin and wrong. Every vinyl setup needs a phono preamp somewhere in the chain. The only question is where it lives.
Do you already have one?
A phono preamp can live in one of three places, and you may already have it without realising. First, it can be built into the turntable: decks such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X and the Sony PS-LX310BT have a switchable built-in phono stage, so they can plug straight into a line input or powered speakers. Second, it can be built into your amplifier: look for an input labelled phono. Third, it can be a separate box you buy and place between the turntable and the amplifier.
So before you buy anything extra, check what you have. If your turntable has a phono or line switch, or your amplifier has a phono input, you are already covered for one. The trouble only arises when both the deck and the amplifier lack a phono stage, in which case the record will sound far too quiet until you add one. Audiophile decks like the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO deliberately leave the preamp out, expecting you to supply your own, so they are the case where you most need to check.
Built-in or separate: which is better?
For most people, a built-in phono preamp is more than good enough, and it has the great advantage of simplicity: one fewer box, one fewer set of cables and nothing extra to buy. The phono stages built into modern decks and amplifiers are perfectly capable and let you start enjoying records straight away.
A separate phono preamp can sound better and lets you upgrade that part of the chain on its own, which suits a more serious hi-fi where you want to get the most from a good cartridge. It is the natural partner for a deck like the EVO. Our advice is simple: start with whatever your deck or amplifier already provides, and only add a separate phono preamp later if you decide you want to improve the sound. It is an easy upgrade to make further down the line.
Putting the chain together
Once you know where your phono preamp lives, the rest is straightforward. If the preamp is in the turntable, set the switch to line and run the deck into any line input or a pair of powered speakers. If the preamp is in the amplifier, set the turntable to phono (or leave its preamp off) and connect to the amplifier's phono input. If you are using a separate preamp, the deck feeds the preamp, and the preamp feeds a line input on the amplifier. Whichever route you take, the principle is the same: the cartridge's signal must pass through exactly one phono preamp before it reaches your amplifier, never none and never two.
Frequently asked questions
What does a phono preamp actually do?
A phono preamp boosts the very weak signal from a turntable's cartridge to a normal line level and applies the RIAA equalisation that vinyl needs to sound correct. Without it, a record plays far too quietly and sounds thin and wrong. Every vinyl setup needs one somewhere in the chain.
How do I know if my turntable has a built-in preamp?
Check the deck's specifications for a built-in phono stage or a switch marked phono and line. Decks such as the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X and Sony PS-LX310BT have one built in, so you can plug them into any line input or powered speakers. Audiophile decks like the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO leave it out so you can choose your own.
Is a built-in or separate phono preamp better?
A built-in preamp is more convenient and perfectly good for most people. A separate, dedicated phono preamp can sound better and lets you upgrade independently, which suits a more serious hi-fi. Start with whatever your deck and amplifier already provide, and only add a separate unit if you later want to improve the sound.
Our advice on phono preamps
Every vinyl setup needs one phono preamp, but most people already have it built into their turntable or amplifier, so check before you buy anything extra. If your deck has a phono or line switch, or your amp has a phono input, you are ready to go. Choose a deck with a built-in phono stage, like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, for the simplest start, and only step up to a separate preamp if you later buy a purist deck such as the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO and want the best from it. For the whole picture, read our buying guide, and see our current picks in the best turntable ranking.