Although there are plenty of different ways to listen to your favorite tunes, many people still cling to vinyl records because of their warm, full sound and the tangible feeling they get holding a well-produced total package in their hands. Whether you’re just starting to build your vinyl collection or you’re a seasoned hunter of vintage records, you should probably think about a phono preamp.
While most of your money will go into procuring copious amounts of vinyl (or finding the best turntable that fits your budget), there are ways that you can still get affordable phono preamps that are also high quality.
(Note: We’ll be using a lot of vinyl terminology in this piece. If you’re still new to the technology, scroll to the bottom for a glossary of terms commonly used in the vinyl world.)
What is a phono preamp?
While great amplifiers and receivers with phono inputs built-in are making a comeback with vinyl’s resurgence, many modern devices have cut the phono input to cut costs. A phono preamp is an outboard device that steps into that void, boosting a turntable’s output so modern electronics can play it at the proper volume level while adding equalization standardized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for improved accuracy to the music.
There are really two main reasons to get a stand-alone phono preamp: Either your turntable or amplifier is devoid of a built-in phono preamp, or you’ve decided to upgrade your setup with better sound than what’s afforded by your built-in options.
You can easily blow a bundle of cash on a high-end solution, but luckily there are plenty of models that provide great sound at a totally reasonable price. That’s where our list comes in. Here are our favorite affordable phono preamps, ranging in price from budget solutions to long-term investments.
Under $50
Rolls VP29 ($50)
Those looking for a simple plug-and-play phono preamp will love the Rolls VP29, which has no buttons or knobs and is designed to perform one task and one task only — amplifying the sound of your favorite vinyl to standard playback level with RIAA equalization. A fire-engine red box that’s made in the U.S., the VP29 also features a 3.5mm jack, making it perfect for connecting to powered speakers or soundbars so you can skip the amplifier altogether.
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Under $100
Art Pro Audio DJPRE II ($65)
ART Pro Audio has made a name for itself as a purveyor of solid studio gear for some time now. The company’s affordable and intuitive VLA II compressor is a workhorse in many a home studio. ART Pro brings its considerable sonic talents to the DJPRE II, a small rounded box that offers many features pricier models lack. Along with standard RIAA equalization, the DJPRE II allows you to choose between a low-cut and flat frequency response, as well as offering gain control to allow for optimum performance with your specific setup, or to properly feed an input device for preserving your vinyl in digital form.
It’s also compatible with turntable cartridges that require special input capacitance levels, meaning even high-end buyers can consider the DJPRE II, while it’s low price presents a feature-packed solution for any budget.
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Music Hall Mini ($80)
If you’re eyeing a longer-term upgrade, you may want to look to acclaimed preamp maker Music Hall. The company’s tiny, American-made Mini uses a moving magnet preamp to increase the volume of the RIAA-equalized signal, providing a clean boost of sound for your amplifier to grab. Like the Rolls VP29, the Music Hall features a 3.5mm output in addition to RCA connection, making it one of the best phono preamps at its price point for those with a nice pair of powered studio monitors.
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U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 ($99)
The original U-Turn Pluto external phono preamp was a mainstay in the Digital Trends testing room for some time, loved for its simple and elegant design, as well as the great sound it provides. Now the Woburn, Massachusetts-based turntable company has delivered the next generation Pluto 2 preamp, with a few key upgrades and, happily, all for the same affordable $99 price. For starters, the Pluto 2 has added a second gain stage, which boosts the overall gain from 36 dB to 41 dB, doing more of the heavy lifting for your receiver and helping to reduce distortion. Additionally, an improved subsonic filter also keeps unwanted noise from making it to your speakers. It’s kept its handsome brushed-aluminum housing, while still delivering the clean, plug-and-play features users have come to love. The Pluto 2 still adheres to the traditional RIAA equalization standard and adds high-quality internal components to boost your signal chain via a simple RCA connection.
If you’ve got an entry-level turntable and a quality amplifier, or are looking to upgrade your phono preamp from the one built into your deck, this is an excellent choice.
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Pro-Ject Audio Phono Box ($99)
Though the sound coming through the Pro-Ject Phono Box is virtually indistinguishable from U-Turn’s Pluto, the Phono Box does have an extra trick up its sleeve for more high-end vinyl enthusiasts. At the back is a button that allows you to choose between optimization for moving magnet and moving coil cartridge turntables. If you already own a high-quality turntable (such as Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon) and are considering upgrading to the pricier moving coil cartridges long-term, this is a great option.
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More than $100
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($300)
If your vinyl collecting tastes lean more toward the vintage variety, then the Cambridge Alva Duo phono preamp might just be worth the extra scratch. Speaking of scratches (what a segue!), it’s the Duo’s subsonic filter that makes this preamp desirable to those with records that have seen better days — it helps reduce low-frequency noises that can be generated by blemishes. Furthermore, if there are any imbalances in your turntable’s cartridge (say you like vintage turntables, too), there’s a balance control dial on the back that can help compensate. The Alva Duo is also both a moving coil and moving magnet preamp, which, for turntable snobs, means it’s compatible with both MC and MM cartridges so you don’t have to buy separate phono stages if you happen to own both types. Lastly, headphone-savvy listeners will appreciate the Duo’s 6.34mm jack, allowing for direct input and dedicated volume control, so you don’t have to listen through your amplifier or receiver. If you’re in the market for a great pair of headphones, we’ve found some of the best Black Friday headphone deals ahead of the big day.
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Graham Slee Communicator ($250)
OK, so if you want to go big (but not Manhattan trust fund big), the Graham Slee Communicator is the phono preamp for you. Designed exclusively for moving magnet cartridges (sorry moving coil fans), this handmade, aluminum-encased phono preamp out of the U.K. has no patience for flashy exterior design, instead focusing every bit of your money on high-end internals.
Made-to-order, the Communicator delivers audio with beautiful detail via gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs on the back. It’s an excellent choice for those who already have a high-end turntable, amplifier, and speakers, and want a beautiful-sounding phono workhorse to enjoy for years to come. For the money, this is the audiophile preamp of choice.
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Glossary of terms
Here’s a rundown of some of the most commonly used technical terms in the vinyl realm:
RIAA equalization
The Recording Industry Association of America established this equalization (EQ) standard in 1954 for playback of vinyl records for two reasons: To standardize sound quality in all vinyl records, and to permit greater recording times by assuring the actual grooves in each record conformed to a smaller size. This standard setting is still the one to which the vast majority of phono preamps adhere, assuring that the audio signal of every record is as consistent as possible, no matter the system you use.
Stylus
The stylus or “needle” of a turntable is the thin piece at the end of a tonearm, which physically interfaces with the grooves of a record. It is always connected to the cartridge, which converts its physical inputs into electrical outputs. Typically, styluses are tipped with a small diamond or another industrial-grade gemstone. It is imperative that the stylus is kept clean and free of static electricity to maintain quality playback, which is why experts recommend you use a record brush for every spin, every time.
Cartridge
A phono cartridge is a small electromechanical device that relays analog signal from the grooves in the vinyl disc to your entire audio system. Phono cartridges contain transducers that convert the physical variations in the groove walls into an electrical audio signal, using magnets and copper coils.
Moving magnet cartridge
Moving magnet cartridges create an electrical signal from the analog inputs of the stylus by (you guessed it) a moving magnet set within two copper coils. Moving magnet cartridges are known for their mellower sound in comparison to moving coil cartridges, and are available in numerous shapes, sizes, and quality levels. Moving magnet cartridges are typically more affordable and easier to replace than moving coil cartridges, making them an ideal choice for beginners, and they are often the standard-issue cartridge in all but the highest-end turntables.
Moving coil cartridge
Moving coil cartridges are different than moving magnet cartridges in that when the stylus moves, it moves coils around a magnet to produce an electrical signal, rather than moving the magnet itself. This is considered by many to offer better overall tonality and less distortion but at the cost of specialty setup and the need for a special phono preamp (moving coil cartridges often produce a different amount of signal than moving magnets). They are also usually much more expensive than moving magnet cartridges.
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