Best Phono preamps | Best comparison
Vinyl back in fashion, and although say evil spirits, so much the better! The music is not the same in all media and for musicophiles, the material is important. This revival of the turntable was a side effect rather unexpected however: he pushed the brands in the industry to develop the best phono preamps, more efficient, but also more affordable.
Today, this little piece of audio equipment is more efficient and more widely available than ever: a boon for other lovers of the environment. Indeed, the phono preamp serves not only to fans of 33 laps: turntables, electric guitar, digitizing audio tapes …
With a richer than ever and offers more than satisfactory models of all price ranges, it’s now or never to decide to invest in a preamp.
The best phono preamps in 2020
1. Audibax PP4000 – A good phono preamp input range
This phono preamp is part of the family mini-models are more compact than the pro versions. The advantage? Easy to slip in the middle of his system without it occupies the whole place. And if we want to develop a nice corner for his turntable, it is a criterion which has its weight!
The layout of its connectivity is very classic, with two inputs and two outputs sound – left and right – for RCA-type cables. Note that these cables are not included, but they are generally good-market. Think well to bring along cables that have what is called a ground wire.
The ground wire is a small plug-shaped fork which has just been put in contact with the ground screw preamp and helps filter ringing and interference.
As a bonus, there is also a headphone jack 6.35, which can be convenient for certain uses. For example, if you scan an audio stream, it can control the sound quality at the output of the equalizer, live time.
The result means: the sound is correctly calibrated and, to the ear, is the RIAA standard. The pickiest should note perhaps slight weaknesses in the bass, but nothing that can not be corrected from your amp.
The Audibax provides highly satisfactory performance for this price. It is part of the new phono preamps that offer sound quality significantly for a low budget. The characteristics that were proposed, there are still fifteen years, reserved for more expensive models!
2. Muslady Audiophile AK750 – The phono preamp cheap
The Muslady AK750 is among the cheapest phono preamps in this roundup. And if its performance is slightly lower than other competitors, you will see that it is still worth a visit.
Indeed, a preamp MM – Moving Magnet – which equalizes the sound of a turntable MC – Moving Coil – may submit to the rigor a slight lack of power. But an MC preamplifier is heavily distort and damage the sound of a turntable MM. That is why, outside of certain niches, the industry is moving toward standardization preamps MM.
In terms of design, it is recognized that Muslady goes straight to the point by adopting the same characteristics as the leaders of expensive phono preamps not. One regret perhaps: the ground screw is placed rather awkwardly compared to RCA ports.
Another small downside: maybe we could point the lack of a volume control knob, which can be handy to calibrate the sound quality. It is rather bold of them: in the range of entries, it is not uncommon that a model offers numerous setting options for power, if disappointing, blame a few consumer.
In this case, no cheating possible for the Audiophile: and he is doing well despite everything. With a distortion of less than 1%, or almost inaudible to most amateurs, and a signal to noise ratio of 55 dB, it is average. These results are not great, but will largely the case for a small music setup with your turntable or deck.
The Muslady Audiophile phono preamp is a basic but effective, which should suit most contingencies uses. In fact, there would be little reason to regret this purchase. If you are looking for a better model and versatile, fit more in price, and actually surpass the € 50. The latter, which will cost less than 30 €, the performance is quite acceptable.
3. LD SYSTEMS PPA2 – A phono preamp with cheap headphone output
The LD SYSTEMS PPA2 is another phono preamp surprising price. Until recently, it was very rare to be able to offer a device at this price without going to very unpleasant surprises. This is no longer the case today – but what about this model?
This small phono preamp 15cm barely contains some very good surprises! And it’s not ultra-sober appearance that would have left guessing. Its connectivity is classic, with two phono inputs and two line outputs and a ground screw. But its advantage is that it also offers a headphone output: it is the cheapest model and the most serious to offer this option.
The other positive point that we can raise is the hull entirely of metal. And this is a feature that is not an aesthetic interest. The metal present the advantage of reducing interference and crackling, in particular caused by static electricity, heat or air.
On paper, it promises a signal noise of 70dB, a score quite remarkable in this price range and a THD less than 0.05% just as satisfying.
If it shows a stable output at 75dB, distrust. The result is actually around 70-72. An approximation that will make no difference to listen to his music, but could affect the mix sounds or post-processing. This is data that confirms that although it was expected a low budget, this phono preamp will not suit those who wish to gain a pro use.
Listening, the musicophiles will notice perhaps slight lack of punch in the treble, and some breath latencies also, but the general result is nonetheless very satisfying.
Small price, small preamp. So what are the main benefits? It is a device without the fuss, very easy to install, which should largely to a small music setup for your turntable or your turntable. Note however provide an RCA cable with a ground wire: ringing, light on some more expensive models, here become downright annoying. For once, you unfortunately will not be able to cut it.
4. Muslady PP500 – The phono preamp for cheap vinyl and guitars
This is another Muslady who won a place in our list. But no redundancies: you will see that this phono preamp, a little more expensive than the Audiophile of the same brand, has several interesting options.
And the first thing you notice is the connection, more inclusive. In addition to the input ports phono and line output, it provides for the possibility to plug his guitar into TRS. Very handy for all-in-touch that did not want to bother with multiple phono preamps: this is the case both for record players, turntables that electric guitars.
We also note, of course, the presence of adjusters both for input and for output. It does not make the device more difficult to use: it is simply a volume optimization option, to find the balance point where the sound is cleaner. It also bypasses the few shortcomings of the device at the sound quality.
With a rate of less than 1% distortion and signal to noise ratio of 65dB, it is far from the disaster. But at high volumes, you’ll probably want to play with the settings to improve the purity of sound.
It also has a slight tendency to lose some of the sound power, forcing to adjust the input stronger than output, the risk to slightly increase the noise effect. It has nothing disturbing to listen to vinyls, but it is a factor to consider if it is expected to use for digital processing.
Overall, the Muslady is not a perfect phono preamp. But it has the advantage of being very versatile and provide any performance acceptable. We reserve the course for strictly non-professional use, but for less than € 40, we certainly did not expect better!
5. Douk T3 Audio Pro – A superb phono preamp with vacuum tubes
Douk is a well known brand in the mid-vinyl enthusiasts, and has done a pretty good reputation for being copied – or repackaged – by competitors of certain sub-brands! The phono preamp Douk is located on the edge of the entry and mid-range, with prices ranging between 50 and 100 €. In fact, it is often in the viewfinder pros, who tend to avoid it, but it has a big hit with the fans. Why these differences? You will soon understand.
The first thing that is noticed is the presence of two backlit vacuum mini-tubes, with chrome and bronze beautifully. Vacuum tubes, it is a legacy of a very old technology, close to that of transistors. At one time, this sound amplification technique – which involves what is commonly called the “lamps” – was still the best way to get a weak signal and to multiply. Like radios early last century.
Since, of course, other materials have allowed to bypass some disadvantages of this technology, including its fragility. But it is interesting that the wave of nostalgia on which vinyl surfs now also presented the lamps to date. In general, we must aim very high-end devices to benefit, and Douk made here of the very few serious models on offer.
Here, the lamp system of course is complementary to a more modern and technology common to all phono preamps: it is not a museum piece. And with a very satisfactory compliance with the RIAA standard – less than 1% distortion and signal noise ratio of 60dB – you can be sure. The results are however slightly-below what one would expect from a preamp in this price range.
Vacuum tubes do their job on the mids – and that is their primary function – that have exceptional clarity. However, when increasing the volume a little is lost in cleanliness, with the presence of a slight stray grain. Nothing too serious for casual use, but unfortunate for a true audiophile.
Especially as the setting options are a bit small, with a unique adjusting knob of output.
This model is a big blow sham. And there’s no harm! Sound quality is altogether decent, vacuum tubes work well, and that’s a real achievement to get in this price range. If you are looking for the most accurate phono preamp for under 100 €, orient yourself rather to the Pro-Ject or Audibak. But if you want to treat your vinyl design corner, allow you to crack: the little things do not spoil the visual pleasure, far from it.
6. Pro-Ject Box – The best phono preamp range
When we think of Pro-Ject, we do not think only a phono preamp. The brand has a very good reputation in the turntable area, often excellent and available at low prices. It is natural that they offer preamps just as effective to complete the setup.
The first technical advantage of Pro-Ject is the use, end to end, reputable components for their action in reducing noise. All in the service of a superior sound quality.
If one ventured to open the case – which is strongly discouraged – we would discover a dual mono design. Concretely, what does that mean? The electrical and functional system is completely isolated from the sound system, for reduced noise completely hardware.
The result is the rendezvous, as the Pro-Ject has a ratio signal noise of 80dB, a result above the vast majority of phono preamps available at less than € 100. Especially since this choice of construction is typically reserved for more expensive models!
The exterior is all-metal, to further improve the purity of sound. But the little aesthetic touch that will decide quite audiophiles, it is the RCA ports, gold-plated. A small wink vintage that is reminiscent of Marshall, for example.
It glides in the Semi Pro class at a price that is unbeatable. Yet it is easy to use, no fuss, and settled in a wink.
In her we find beautiful serious, but especially good bass present and calibrated. These are generally a little-attenuated on vinyl: an opportunity to rediscover your favorite music with a touch of modernity and cleanliness.
Overall, this is probably the best phono preamp on the market for a great price. Where some competitors play on appearance and hide their shortcomings, the Pro-Ject has not staked everything in its design and merely small blink of an eye appreciated. Its greatest strength is the interior. This is a preamp that promises high durability, and offers a better sound for that price.
7. Musical Fidelity – The best phono preamp midrange
With the Musical Fidelity V90-LPS, it goes upmarket. Made the British company of the same name, very famous in the middle, phono preamp is located on the border between the middle and high end. And several features that should not remain indifferent pros.
With its elegant design, the Musical is not meant to be discreet. Where most preamps strive to make small, it falls into the category of devices that can expose without shame the side of his audio setup.
However, technically the Musical Fidelity is an exceptional phono for a very good reason: it will be forgotten between your turntable and speakers. Its construction was made so that the signal remains clean and transparent, to benefit from a specific and deep sound.
On paper, this phono preamp has a line RIAA near perfection, with exceptionally low distortion and noise levels that challenges far beyond the entry model range.
It also has the advantage of having two compatibility modes for MM and MC cartridges, to enjoy better sound quality regardless of the type of device you use. Simply plug the RCA jacks on their respective port, depending on the cartridge.
The performances are very significant, with a signal to noise ratio greater than 80dB and a THD of less than 0.25. One enters a sufficient class to some professional work.
The result is audible: this preamp provides enhanced bass, balanced mids and clear highs even at relatively high volume.
The only regret he had to make a: food is a little cheap for a product at this price there, and seems a bit fragile. Fortunately there is a simple Power Jack 1.3 nonproprietary that can easily replace if something goes wrong.
The Musical Fidelity is the best phono preamp Semi Pro: versatile, complete and a reliability, it should even quality scans. This performance has a price: it is 4 to 5 times more expensive than the entry model range we have gathered in this comparison.
8. Yamaha WCX-50 – Best Wireless phono preamp
Yamaha has long been a must-have brand in the field of consumer audio electronics. The phono preamp WCX-50 is an example of their expertise, but also their willingness to stand out as leaders in terms of connectivity, functionality and design.
And the first thing that allows us to say is its extensive connectivity. With a removable WiFi antenna, it is compatible with the App Streaming MusicCAST, but with AirPlay, Spotify, SiriusXM, Pandora and Juke. The possibility of linking the network with other audio devices it the centerpiece of a phono high-end system. Indeed, it is also compatible with most home systems – such as Alexa or Nest – and has Bluetooth connectivity.
You can control the output options via the app, the remote control of the device, or adjusting knobs.
In terms of sound quality, of course, is impeccable. Yamaha has that rare quality: even on products that provide additional options, they strive to offer excellent basic performance. This is not the case of all brands, and it is applicable to all areas of electronics: we can say that Yamaha offers expensive products, but sanas compromise.
The sound is rich, faithful, with good timing and energy. The clarity of sound is constant across all frequencies, both deep bass and clear voice. And in general, you will get very good results with free installation headaches. The only point on which you may be making adjustments, it is on the high notes, which will be influenced in part by your cable choice. But that’s the beauty of a good sound system equipment, not digital: there are ways to improve your setup. We can not say the same of encoding software!
The Yamaha WXC-50 is for those who want a sound system without compromise and are willing to invest money there. In this area, this is the best phono top consumer line preamp, without hesitation.
Buying Guide: everything you need to know about a phono preamp before buying a
With the return of vinyl in recent years, a new generation embarks on the adventure of the turntable. But we are now well accustomed to the logic of the Plug and Play, without the fuss. The idea of designing any sound system with real physical cables, and face a lexicon dark in case something happens, may put off many.
Yet it is a small annoyance that goes along with the excellent analog sound, which necessarily requires a good material. You will see, choose a good phono preamp does not mean a particularly difficult step.
Determine the phono preamp for you
The phono preamps that we discussed in this comparison are for those who want to connect a turntable, a turntable, or in some cases a guitar, a classic system. However, there is a wide variety of products, all tailored to different uses. For example, if it is to connect a microphone, you will need a suitable preamp, and it falls into a different category.
The first thing to determine is if you need a phono preamp. Some turntables or turntables have built-in, which you can use. This is the case of a large number of mixer for example. How to know? Just check if you have a release entitled “Phono”.
This will be the case with some modern turntables: however be warned that a device with an integrated phono preamp will often be much more expensive. Make it the calculation, to the extent where you can find excellent from 75 €.
The different types of phono preamps
There are two types of phono preamps. Why ? Because there are two types of cartridges that allow your turntable to play vinyl. You are probably already stumbled upon references to MM – Moving Magnet – and MC -Moving Coil. Most turntables are equipped with an MM cartridge since the 70s.
All MM phono preamps can support an MC cartridge, even if we advise explicit compatibility of the product. Otherwise, you run the risk of not benefiting from the same power. The reverse is not true: for MM cartridge, you can not use an MC phono preamp, moreover rare.
Determine the required gain
The sound level of the base unit, first. If it is already relatively high, you will not need as high a gain to reach a comfortable listening level. Let’s take an example. You have a record player with an MC cartridge with a 3 mV output displayed – milliVolt. With MM phono preamp classic, in theory, you can process the sound of your turntable. But the gain of these devices generally around 40dB, which will be insufficient. For a setup MC MM, allow about additional 20dB. So you know you need a phono preamp MM 60dB. mV conversion tables to gain in dB are findable quite easily.
Note that a higher gain, it usually move to a more expensive phono preamp. The more winning offer, the more it must be good to be free from distortions.
Wireless Connectivity
Recently, wireless connectivity starts to get a place in phono preamps. Before only for the more expensive models, we begin to find them in mainstream preamps.
Our rating for now: do not be tempted by a model less than 200 € which offers wireless connectivity. You may pay the price of this small comfort as his: and it’s still the most important.
Keep in mind that a phono preamp is an electrical device. The quality of the components, the efficiency of the circuit and isolation can be optimized, but past a certain course there is no secret: you have to pay the price. Otherwise you sacrifice sound quality or durability of the components.
FAQ: it answers the questions that you ask the phono preamps
What is a phono preamp?
A phono preamp is a small electrical box which equalizes and prepares a weak signal to a significant amplification. It converts an electrical signal along a mathematical line, called RIAA. This standard, if properly applied, enables the sound to be treated without distortion and with minimal noise by a conventional amplifier.
As such, the system is relatively simple. Be found at least two RCA inputs, connected to the transmitter unit – be it a plate, a guitar, a microphone or a record player – RCA and two outputs connected to the receiver.
A phono preamp is a signal amplifier. It consists of two parts. An electrical amplifier, which increases the output in volts, comparable to that found in the electronics field; and an equalizer.
The equalizer acts first. It processes the incoming signal so as to bring along a given line – in the case of the turntables, a RIAA standard. The amplifier then electrically increases this voltage signal by a gain. For example, a turntable 5mV could not get a sound to 0.5V without severe distortions due to imperfect extrapolation of the sound signal. The preamp will handle this task at hand, with sufficient voltage to power an amp.
Most phono preamps tend to have the same operating characteristics. As such, one would think interchangeable, but caution. The level of output and input impedance can remain the same from one model to another, but a preamplifier is generally specific to a type of sound device. You will soon realize, testing, a phono preamp for guitar is not suitable for a microphone.
What is the ideal connection of a phono preamp?
There are 4 types of essential connection to a phono preamp. XLR, TRS, TS and RCA. All entries may be “Line”.
The XLR and TRS inputs are categorized as Balanced. This is not a value judgment, but a technical term. We rarely find one XLR port, except on the mic preamps. Otherwise, it will generally be an extension of an RCA installation. You will find however TRS standard as the TRS 1/4 size, the appropriate preamps for electric and bass guitar.
The RCA ports themselves are the most common, and are suitable for record players or turntables, but also for some microphones. TS standard can also be used, but it is a much rarer standard on the market.
What makes a good phono preamp?
The first criterion of a phono preamp the quality and consistency of its equalizer. In other words, its precision and detail on all frequencies, from low to high.
Nowadays, there are few bad phono preamps in this category: Most equalizers provide at least a correct result.
The second point, however, the reduction of noise, which is done by two determining factors at the time of purchase.
First, you need a good insulation material preamp to reduce interference: a metal housing is still the cheapest and most effective way to make sure. The presence of a ground wire to the RCA cable is also an advantage, provided that the phono preamp is equipped with a screw! Seen as a ground connection, eliminating the electrical surplus.
Then you have a good electrical compatibility between the various components of your setup. If you saturate the signal, ie you “ask” too volt preamp which sends too little, you will get an unpleasant sound and interference.
The two input ports are used to connect the RCA cables to your device transmitter: a turntable or an electric guitar. Both Output ports, they must connect your amp, cabinet, computer … That’s it! In itself, it is extremely simple.
Take into account some subtleties, however, when placing his phono preamp. Some precautions can reduce interference and easily optimize your setup.
Never place your preamp on a device equipped with amplifier, such as a speaker. They often contain a large transformer will emit a buzz or electrical hum. If your preamp is poorly insulated, it will integrate this sound to the sound signal as interference. The same rule applies to electrical son, to computer batteries …
Another caution: Do not connect your phono preamp on an already amplified device. The preamps are sensitive devices whose electrical components are provided for the management of low voltage. If you connect to a stereo, for example, you may damage them permanently.
How much is a phono preamp?
If your deck or record player does not have a phono preamp, you can purchase one separately from 25 €.
What will determine the price of your preamp sound will be played between two data: the ratio of signal to noise, which determines the volume and the presence of interference, and gain.
For more ratio of 75dB must move towards models over € 100, while a significant gain will be available from 75 €. These two criteria should help you narrow your search and find the model that suits you for a fairly low price.
If you are looking for a quality sound, as in all areas, there is no limit. For example, the Audio Research Reference Phono 3 has sold nearly 16 000 €. It is breathtaking!
If you do not need a very high gain, a basic model around 30-40 € should be more than enough.
Where to buy a phono preamp?
Music stores may be an option, but they have their limits. The uses are generally very specific, or too qualitative to what you are looking for. Specialty stores, for rock, for example, are also likely to propose models too expensive and powerful, classified in a semi-pro class.
Conversely, we recommend to completely avoid hi-tech shops, often specialized in the Plug and Play – speakers, headphones … – and not able to make a satisfactory selection for niche products as a preamp.
The ideal? Identify what you need and looking for the best online model. You’re likely to do better business.