Whether you want one that has tubes for a more balanced sound, or one that will allow you to optimize both MM and MC cartridges, you can find something on this list that will suit your preferences. Our experts carefully selected each item, so rest assured that they’re all of excellent quality. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best phono preamps.
rolls VP29 Phono Preamp
Best Overall
With the help of this excellent phono preamp from rolls, you can listen to your beloved vinyl records without annoying, low-frequency noise. Its outstanding construction helps the unit deliver a smooth and soundless operation, eliminating AC hums. The solid red finish also makes it stand out. Using the 3.5mm output on the side, you can connect it to speakers or headphones with a jack that fits.
Why we love it:
- Conforms to the standard RIAA equalization curve to provide better sound quality
- Comes with an AC adapter for added convenience
- Designed with a 3.5mm TRS output for added flexibility
GOgroove Mini Phono Turntable Preamp
Best Value
This affordable phono preamp from GOgroove allows you to listen to your vintage vinyl collection using a modernized setup. It serves as a bridge that connects your turntable to any home stereo or speaker. Aside from connecting two devices, you can also use this phono preamp to adjust the volume or equalize sound. That way, you can enjoy listening to your favorite music without the annoying distortions.
Why we love it:
- Conforms to the RIAA equalization curve for a more balanced audio
- Very easy to set up; you can use it straight out of the packaging
- Compact and doesn’t eat up too much space, so you can place it in the same area where your turntable and speakers are
ART DJPRE II Phono Preamplifier
Best Gain Control
ART’s DJPRE II Phono Preamplifier is becoming a staple piece of equipment in home studios. It allows you to choose between low-cut and flat frequency responses and offers excellent gain control that will produce optimum performance regardless of the setup. It’s even compatible with turntable cartridges that require particular input capacitance levels. Plus, it properly feeds an input device to ensure that your vinyl is preserved in digital form.
Why we love it:
- Allows you to filter audio interference with a few switches
- Lets you optimize your cartridge response by switching the analog input capacitance from 100pF to 200pF
- Can amplify or equalize your vinyl records as you connect them to your home stereo system, speaker, and more
Pyle Phono Preamp
Most Compact
Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, this preamp from Pyle won’t take much of your space. Besides being space-friendly, it has an extra convenient plug-and-play feature for connecting your turntable via the RCA inputs and then the preamp to a stereo with the RCA outputs. It also allows you to connect laptops, smartphones, speakers, and more to the preamp’s receiver. And, to provide the most convenience, it even has a free two-channel audio cable that uses a 22 AWG conductor.
Why we love it:
- Comes with a two-channel audio cable made of RG-59 75-ohm coaxial cable
- Accommodates magnetic pickups with an input sensitivity of 3mV at 50K ohms
- Reduces sound interference when put close to the turntable
Something to consider:
When buying a phono preamp, it’s essential to get one that matches your existing Hi-Fi system. Otherwise, you may not be able to use it, which is a total waste of money. It’s also a must to check the type of phono cartridge in your turntable. Invest in an MM phono preamp if you own a moving magnet (MM) cartridge. Likewise, get a compatible phono preamp if your turntable is designed with a moving coil (MC) cartridge.
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 the playback of vinyl records for two reasons: Standardizing sound quality in all vinyl records and permitting longer 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 that physically interfaces with a record’s grooves. It is always connected to the cartridge, converting physical inputs into electrical outputs. Typically, styluses are tipped with a small diamond or other industrial-grade gemstones. The stylus must be kept clean and free of static electricity to maintain quality playback. Experts recommend you use a record brush for every spin, every time.
Cartridge
A phono cartridge is a small electromechanical device that relays analog signals 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 a moving magnet set within two copper coils. Moving magnet cartridges are known for their mellower sound compared 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 ideal for beginners. 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. Many consider this to offer better overall tonality and less distortion at the cost of specialty setup and the need for a special phono preamp (moving coil cartridges often produce a different amount of signal compared to moving magnets). They are also usually much more expensive than moving magnet cartridges.
About the Author
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Why Should You Trust Us?
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
