If you want to hook your record player up to external speakers or audio systems, you need a preamp.
But you may already have one, without even knowing it.
Some turntables contain internal preamps.
So do some of the components you might want to connect to your turntable, like a receiver or amplifier.
If that is the case, you won’t need to buy an additional preamp.
These internal units are also referred to as a phono stage.
Often the two terms are used interchangeably, but generally, a phone stage is a built-in preamp, while the word ‘preamp’ can refer to any preamplifier, whether it is internal or standalone.
How do you know if your record player or other component has an internal preamp? And if it does, is that phono stage any good?
We’ll answer those questions and more. By the time you get to the bottom of this page, you will know everything you need to know about phono preamplifiers.
Contents
The Role Of The Phono Preamp (Or Phono Stage)
With a new rise in popularity of vinyl over the past several years, the market is exploding with a whole new generation of record players containing the latest plug-and-play technology.
Those new to vinyl expect a turntable to simply play out of the box. Or they anticipate a quick setup that allows them to easily integrate their new turntable into an existing sound system.
But it’s not quite so simple.
The signal that comes from the cartridge on the record player is approximately 1000 times lower than the signal that comes from a streaming device or a CD player. Read “Why is my turntable so quiet?” for more.
In order to hear music from vinyl via your stereo system or your free-standing speakers, it requires a signal boost.
That is where a preamp comes in.
Whether it is a phono stage or an external preamp, it boosts the signal from the turntable to the correct level, so that it can be received by your stereo system or speakers.
What Does A Phono Preamp Do?
Even those new to the vinyl world know most of the basics, such as how to play a record player, what type of speaker setup is needed, or even how to connect a turntable to a Bluetooth speaker.
But preamps are a different matter.
Even some seasoned audiophiles don’t know much about preamps, or the important role they can play in an audio setup.
A turntable preamp is an audio component that amplifies the signal from a turntable to a higher level, so that it can be received by an audio system, the same way it receives any other type of audio source, like a CD player, etc.
In addition to boosting the signal, a preamp also applies the RIAA equalization curve to the signal. This ensures that the equalization curve has the same shape after amplification as it did before, meaning that the sound does not change at all, apart from being amplified.
We won’t go into any more detail on the RIAA curve. You can read more about it here. Those new to vinyl usually aren’t interested in the complexities of how a preamp work. The most important thing to know is that a preamp is needed in order to enjoy your collection at a volume you can actually hear.
Does Your Turntable Have A Preamp?
Preamps come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some models are built-in, and many modern turntables do have a phono stage.
Others do not, meaning you’ll need a standalone model. Most audiophiles actually prefer to use a separate preamp, but whether or not it can actually make a difference often depends on the rest of your sound system.
How do you know if your turntable has one?
There’s actually a pretty simple way to determine this. Try hooking your record player up to your audio system or speakers. If the volume level is high and there are no signs of distortion, then you have a model equipped with a built-in preamp.
Many new record players, such as the Audio Technica AT-LP120, come with a built-in preamp. But not all self-contained turntables do.
The good news is: you don’t have to purchase a top of the line model to get a phono stage. You can find plenty of low priced turntables that have one and plenty of high-priced models that don’t.
If you are currently shopping for a record player and plan on connecting it to an audio system like Sonos, a receiver, or speakers, but you don’t want to purchase a separate preamp, make sure your the model you buy has an internal preamp.
Unless, that is, the component you plan to connect to already has a phono preamp built in.
Amplifiers And Receivers With Phono Stages
If you have a vintage amp or receiver that was produced before 1980, then it’s likely it has a built-in preamp.
If you’re not sure, look on the back of the device. You should see a label that says phono, with a ground screw right next to it. If you do, it has a preamp.
Most new models of amps and receivers don’t come with a built-in phono preamp, but they may have a label that says phono anyway.
Another way to determine whether or not your model has a phono stage is to plug in your record player and try turning up the volume. If it sounds clear and the volume is booming, then it comes equipped with a built-in phono stage.
Speakers
A new category of high-quality powered speakers has made an appearance on the market over the last several years. The speakers can be used for your vinyl playback system, desktop computer, or a small bookshelf system. They can connect directly to the turntable without a receiver and some of these speakers actually come equipped with a built-in preamp, too.
How Preamps Work
The preamp performs a process on a scale that no other component in the phono audio chain comes close to matching. Instead of just being an added-on component that helps your system run smoothly, it actually shapes your turntable’s performance and ensures it is able to work with the rest of your system.
The Process
The turntable preamp adds gain to the output of a record player so it can be received by an amp, which then further amplifies the sound for your speakers. The amount of gain that’s added to the signal by the preamp is tremendous.
On the turntable, electric power is applied only to the process of spinning its platter. The stylus in the cartridge does not actually receive any of this power.
The stylus is the component that generates a signal from the grooves in the vinyl record via movement. This audio signal is then converted into an electrical signal. But this signal is very feeble. With most models, it has an output of 4 mv.
This is nowhere near the strength of the audio signal from other components like a CD player, so it needs to be boosted. A basic preamp boosts the signal to an output of 300 mv.
In other words, a signal must be amplified by a factor of 75 in order to be of any use to the amp.
As you can see, the preamp has a serious job to do and has a major impact on vinyl playback and how your record player performs.
Fortunately, purchasing a top of the line preamp doesn’t have to cost $500 dollars or more. You can find a good quality, standalone model for under $300, although most in that price range are not good.
We highly recommend the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo.
- Switchable between MC or MM cartridges
- Doubles as headphone amp
- Balance control
- Subsonic filter
- Big knob on the front may make it hard to place in your setup
- Headphone amp could add more noise to the signal chain
You can also find units that aren’t quite as high quality, but that cost far less and still do a good enough job for the casual listener.
This model by Rolls is the best budget option.
The Rolls VP29 is a phono/turntable preamplifier with provisions for line-level output. The VP29 is designed for use with amplifiers, mixers, or stereo systems that do not provide turntable inputs. The preamp features dual RCA phone inputs, ground terminal connection, and dual RCA stereo line-level outputs. A separate 1/8" stereo line-level output is provided for added flexibility.
A standalone model comes equipped with its own chassis and power supply. They usually run quieter than a built-in preamp.
With the addition of a preamp, you’ll notice immediate improvements to channel separation, and signal-to-noise ratio and torsion will basically disappear. Modern models are remarkably quiet during operation and the impact they have on playback is simply astounding.
Preamp Styles
The type of preamp you need depends on the cartridge type and your budget. Your record player may come with a built-in phono stage, in which case you won’t need to worry about choosing a new model.
Additionally, if your audio system comes with a phono input with a ground screw installed next to it, this means that it has a built-in preamp. As long as it is compatible with your turntable, you don’t need to buy one separately.
However, most audiophiles argue that an external preamp offers better sound quality on average than an internal phono stage. Read our article comparing a built-in preamp vs external for for more on this.
If you need to, or want to, buy an external preamp, the main thing you need to know is that there are two types available: the moving coil and moving magnet.
Moving Coil Preamp
The moving coil preamp is the more popular type, because the slow-moving mass allows it to reach a higher frequency. This generates a lower impudence, which means there’s a lower chance of RFI, or radio frequency interference.
However, it is placed under more stress than a moving magnet preamp and also provides a much lower output of only 0.5 millivolts. It has fewer coil windings and a much higher price tag. Due to the low output, especially when it comes to bass frequencies, moving coil preamps require a minimum of ten times more preamp gain compared to the moving magnet variety.
Moving Magnet Preamp
The moving magnet preamp delivers a high-end output of around five millivolts. As such, it requires far less gain and it also costs a lot less. The sound quality is inferior, however.
Design
Most preamp manufacturers work hard on designing models that are extremely low noise, which is a huge plus for any serious audiophile. That said, it really doesn’t matter if you have a phono stage that’s only a few decibels quieter than the vinyl itself. The vinyl surface noise will still dominate.
Record Player Preamps: Final Thoughts
The preamp is a vital component that deserves just as much care and consideration when you’re shopping for a turntable, as the record player itself. Whether the preamp is internal or a standalone unit, you want to make sure it is capable of delivering the audio quality you are looking for.
With any audio setup, the sound quality of your system will only be as good as the weakest point in your signal chain. It’s important to invest in a good cartridge, stylus, and turntable, to ensure that the signal chain gets the best start possible.
But you can’t stop there. Invest in a good preamp to make sure the sound quality stays high after the signal leaves the record player.
Thanks for your great article on preamps.
I appreciate your work.
Join to that !
A good article to guide The vinyl beginners;and the Pre amp is one major component of the vinyl music system.
If my turntable has a built in preamp, can I connect it with an external preamp? Thanks. Edwin
Yes, you can.
Make sure to turn off the internal preamp first by switching it to line.
What if I cannot bypass the internal preamp on my turntable? I have a Pro-Ject Debut III RecordMaster with an MM internal preamp. I just bought a Sony 2.0 receiver with a phono preamp input and Klipsch r-51 passive speakers because the turntable’s internal preamp wasn’t giving me enough volume from my Marshall Stanmore 2 powered speaker. I don’t know if it’s okay to use connect the turntable phono out to the receiver phono in.
Use a CD or aux audio input…
Very nice article. However, I still have a question. I have a Pioneer receiver LX-101 which has the phono input. I also have an Audio Technica LP120XUSB.
They work seemingly fine. But then I read good things about the Fosi Phono Box X2 and the warm sound the tubes produces.
I ordered one and just added it to the system but I’m getting very distorted sound even at its lowest 39db.
Can I still benefit from the tubes sound or is this setup completely a no-no with my current components?
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Georg,
it might have to with the way you connect your preamp to your Pioneer. If you connect your preamp to the phono stage of your amplifier, the signal is treated twice, thus you might get a distorted sound. Try connecting your preamp to the aux stage of your Pioneer and let us know if this helps.
Hope this helps.
Thanks so much to all of you who took the time and answer my question and even adding more useful info. My sincere apologies for not getting back. I just found out that my reply notifications were ending up in my spam folder 🙁
I did connect the pre-amp to the receiver via AUX.
The TT itself has a built-in pre-amp. But I wanted to get a more warm sound from it and I achieved it with the seprate tube amp and along with the order for the amp, I also ordered a pair of tubes that would emphasize that warm sound.
An additional question … what about if your turntable has a built in phono stage and your amplifier also has a phono stage? Does one override the other or is this combination incompatible?
tks
Adrian
So sounding really obtuse…just getting into this I have several questions.
One, when I buy a turntable I have to have a receiver between the table and the speakers?
Two, why don’t some turntables come with a pre amp if one is required?
Three, can I get a turntable that hooks up to a set of speakers by wire? And is that what’s refered to as analog? And also be capable of playing records wirelessly. Thank you for clearing up my confusion in advance.
Similar to a previous Poster, but if my turntable(Fluance RT81) and receiver(Sony STR-DH190) both have a preamp, which should I use for the best performance? Or does it matter?
Thanks!
Usually the receiver is better, but try them both and see.
I have a Pro-Ject Carbon turntable with MM cartridge and Sony amplifier with phono-in. I know the turntable does not have built-in pre-amp, but amplifier does. Still the volume is extremely low compared to CD, for example. I tried using an in-line, external pre-amp to boost signal, but it produces a loud hum, if I run it through phono input of amplifier. If I run it through direct line with external pre-amp, the volume is low, again. I also tried connecting turntable to a different amp with the external pre-amp, which also was not very loud. By process of elimination, I assume the issue is with the turntable, which is only a year old and hardly used at all. Any ideas?
I have the exact issue! Any resolutions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Does your Don’t amp have line in source adjustment(gain,vol.) to raise or lower the volume for that source only?
I know this article is a bit old, but they aren’t “mini-volts”, they are millivolts. “mini-volts” aren’t a unit.
Thanks! I don’t know how that escaped editing.
Hi! I got an audio technica lp60 recently, that is equipped with a preamp and Is not Bluetooth. can I just connect it to a set of speakers? If so are there any speakers that aren’t super expensive that you would recommend that aren’t BT?
Great article. I need to know the appropriate amount of gain for my setup. I have a Fluance RT83 turntable with Ortofon 2M red, Schiit Mani preamp. I have tried the 42db, but has alot of hiss,great sound,but is succeptible to feedback at a lower volume. I am currently on the 30db setting,lowered the hiss and feedback, but have to use more volume on my receiver, which is to be expected. The higher seeing seems to have a little more umph, but with the noted drawbacks. Any suggestions?
I’m having the exact same problem. Just purchased the Fluance Rt85 with the Ortofon 2M Blue and the Schiit Mani preamp. The hiss is pretty bad at any dB setting but worse at the highest. Again, agree that the 42 dB sounds the best for low end. Really hoping someone can give some advice on this. Is there anything I can do to reduce the hiss or should I buy a new preamp. With turntable turned off the hiss is there. It’s definitely coming from or at least being made much worse by the preamp.
This calculator really helped me to get the right gain setup for me:
https://kabusa.com/pregain.htm
I lowered mine to 30db preamp gain, used my Dolby offset volume(source volume, if you have it) in my Anthem MX520 receiver to pickup just a little bit that i needed, really helped that feedback issue. Still sounds great!
My system contains a Yamaha MX 1000u amp and a Yamaha CS1 preamp with a phono input. I am looking to buy a Mobile Fidelity Ultra with a mm turntable. Would I need an external pre amp to make this system sound better? Or do I even need one at all? Thanx for your advice.
E X C E L L E N T article! Very informative for both beginners / layman audio or even to confirm the experienced or knowledgeable audiophile but without overdoing the tech talk (RIAA, etc.). I’m going w/the Rolls Phono Preamp, Red (VP29).
MANY thanks, DR, for the great lesson. God bless.
Something I still do not understand about phono preamps. They are supposed to give better audio, but a phone preamp is always plugged into an amp and that amp is the device feeding audio to your speakers. Does the amp not reprocess the signal from the preamp? If so, that would mean the impact of whatever phono preamp you are using is minimal, because the amp has the final say in how the audio will sound, doesn’t it?
Is it a good idea to use a phono preamp with a Pioneer SX 1050?
I have a TAYA LP-100. I need a new pre amp any suggestions also which cartridge and stylus work the best with this rig
Thanks
Hi,
I just bought Thomson TT700 and it is pre amplified. The volume is super low but nowhere to adjust. Does it mean, I can only enjoy listening with a speaker?
Thank you!
Hi. Sorry vinal newbie here. I have purchased a fluance RT80 with a built in pre amp. My speakers are stand alone and I was wondering if anyone can give any recommendations for an amp to link everything together? Preferably with a headphone jack. Thanks
I have an older Pioneer pL-530 turntable , and a Yamaha receiver with no pre amp, first I assume I need one. And second what type do I need?
This was extremely helpful. I was almost afraid to assemble my system. Pioneer vintage turntable PL-112D and a Marantz SR-5300 receiver. I was told horrible stories of the possibility of blowing up my system. Thank you for certifying things for me.
Really interesting articles. Just bought a TEAC turntable with pre amp. Will it play direct to a sound bar, via line cable, and if so will the signals be as good as to a decent amplifier.?
Thx
Tony
Beautifully written article! Thank you for the clear cut explanation.
I thought my turntable wasn’t working at first, as I was turning on the pre-amp switch and not the power switch! NEWBIE!!
I was getting all kinds of distortion with it on, thinking something was wrong with the stylus or the vinyls.
I switched it off and put the arm back in action, noticing the vinyl still spinning, (confused at this point), which led me to investigate further, only to discover that the turntable does not have an on/off switch but a pre-amp built in!
Hi,
Very interesting conversation. I have a good question for you that has not been covered. I want to plug my Audio Technica At-PL-50 with no ground wire, directly in to the input terminals of my 2 head Sony TC-280 reel to reel recorder. The turntable does have a built in preamp. Should the preamp be switched on or off for the direct recording process from turntable to reel to reel? Thank you.
Glenn
So I’m hunting for a new/used turntable. I have a Sansui 9090 DB receiver that I bought in 1976. In the past I never even thought about an amplified turntable. That being said what do I need to look for??
My 16 son has CA AXA25 amp and a den on turntable they has a built in pre amp.
I bought a sub zero pre amp to improve sound quality for him, but when I connected it all we got was very distorted noise.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, very new to this.