Phono Pre Amplifiers

A phono preamp (also known as a phono stage) is a complete necessity when it comes to getting your vinyl setup off the ground: they provide standard equalisation – correcting sonic imbalances left over as a manufacturing necessity – and boost the weak signal from your deck’s cartridge to a level that allows you to connect it to your stereo via standard AUX sockets. If you were to plug your turntable directly into the same place, skipping the phono stage, any sound produced would be very reedy, very thin and extremely quiet.

Don’t fret, though, as there are plenty of gems to be found across the price spectrum, and it’s important that you settle for something that complements your setup and aims as a vinyl collector.