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Do I need a phono preamp for my turntable?
You need a phono preamp if your turntable outputs a PHONO-level signal and your amplifier, receiver, mixer or powered speakers do not have a PHONO input. You may not need an external preamp if your turntable has a built-in preamp and is set to LINE, or your sound system already includes a compatible phono stage.
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Is a phono stage the same as a phono preamp?
Yes. In a turntable setup, “phono stage” and “phono preamp” generally describe the same type of component. It amplifies the very low signal from the cartridge and applies the required equalisation before passing the signal to a line-level input.
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Can I connect a turntable directly to powered speakers?
Only if the turntable has a built-in phono preamp, the speakers have a dedicated PHONO input, or you place an external phono preamp between them. A turntable connected directly from PHONO output to a standard AUX or LINE input will usually sound extremely quiet and tonally incorrect.
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Do I need an MM or MC phono preamp?
Choose a preamp that supports the cartridge fitted to your turntable. Moving magnet cartridges require an MM-compatible input, while moving coil cartridges normally require an MC-compatible phono stage with additional gain. Some preamps support both types. Check the cartridge and preamp specifications before connecting them.
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Phono Preamp
A Phono Preamp (short for preamplifier) plays an important part in your turntable, or record player setup. When connecting your record player to your sound system, the phono pre amp boosts and equalises the low-level signal produced by a turntable cartridge, converting it to line level for a compatible amplifier, receiver, mixer or powered speaker. As a result, the phono ensures everything is working together harmoniously. Also called a phono stage or turntable preamp, it is an essential part of many vinyl playback systems.
Depending on your mixer or amp, some already feature an internal preamp or dedicated phono input. However, if you don't, you'll need an external phono preamp to convert the signal from phono to line. If your turntable has a built-in preamp and can output a LINE signal, or your amplifier already has a PHONO input, you may not need another one.
Complete Your Vinyl Setup
The condition and compatibility of your turntable cartridge and stylus also affect playback. You may also need a suitable RCA cable to connect the preamp to the rest of your system. If you are building a complete vinyl setup, browse DJ City’s range of turntables and record players, or read our turntable buying guide for help understanding the equipment you need. At DJ City, we stock a range of phono preamplifiers from leading industry brands including Behringer, Power Dynamics, and ART. Browse phono preamps above for home listening, DJ equipment and vinyl playback systems. Shop online for delivery across Australia, visit your local DJ City store or contact our team if you need help checking cartridge, turntable or amplifier compatibility.
A Phono Preamp (short for preamplifier) plays an important part in your turntable, or record player setup. When connecting your record player to your sound system, the phono pre amp boosts and equalises the low-level signal produced by a turntable cartridge, converting it to line level for a compatible amplifier, receiver, mixer or powered speaker. As a result, the phono ensures everything is working together harmoniously. Also called a phono stage or turntable preamp, it is an essential part of many vinyl playback systems.
Depending on your mixer or amp, some already feature an internal preamp or dedicated phono input. However, if you don't, you'll need an external phono preamp to convert the signal from phono to line. If your turntable has a built-in preamp and can output a LINE signal, or your amplifier already has a PHONO input, you may not need another one.