Collection: Phono Preamps

Two things: it boosts the very low signal from a turntable cartridge up to line level, and it applies RIAA equalization to restore the correct tonal balance that's encoded into every record. Without it, a turntable sounds far too quiet and thin plugged into a regular input.

Only if neither your turntable nor your amplifier already has one. If your amp has a phono input or your turntable has a built-in phono stage, you're set. A separate unit is the upgrade path when you want better sound than the built-in option.

Yes. Moving-magnet cartridges use standard 47k-ohm loading and moderate gain; moving-coil cartridges need much more gain and often adjustable loading. Buy a phono stage that supports your cartridge type — many handle both MM and MC.

Gain is how much the phono stage amplifies the signal — too little and it's quiet, too much and it distorts. Loading (resistance and capacitance) sets how the cartridge is electrically terminated, which affects tone. Matching them to your cartridge gets the best sound, and adjustable phono stages give you room to dial it in.

It can, meaningfully. The phono stage handles the most delicate signal in your system, so a quieter, better-matched design brings out more detail, dynamics, and blacker backgrounds. It's one of the higher-impact upgrades in a vinyl setup.

Yes. Visit our showroom at 1921 York Rd, Suite 1, Timonium, MD 21093, or call (443) 402-5055, and we'll help you match a phono stage to your turntable and cartridge.