Do You Really Need a Phono Preamp? Do You Really Need a Phono Preamp?

A phono cartridge produces an extremely weak electrical signal — in the millivolt range, compared to the volts produced by a CD player or digital source. If you connected a turntable directly to a line input on an amplifier, you would hear the music at very low volume, with no body and no bass. The phono preamp does two things: it amplifies the signal to standard line level, and it applies the RIAA curve.

The RIAA curve is the reason you cannot use just any amplifier input. When a record is cut, high frequencies are boosted and bass frequencies are attenuated — without this correction, the grooves would be physically too wide to fit within the recording area of the record. During playback, the phono preamp inverts the curve: it cuts the highs and restores the bass, returning the sound to its original form. A preamp that does not apply the RIAA curve correctly doesn't just sound different — it sounds wrong.

A phono cartridge produces an extremely weak electrical signal — in the millivolt range, compared to the volts produced by a CD player or digital source. If you connected a turntable directly to a line input on an amplifier, you would hear the music at very low volume, with no body and no bass. The phono preamp does two things: it amplifies the signal to standard line level, and it applies the RIAA curve.

The RIAA curve is the reason you cannot use just any amplifier input. When a record is cut, high frequencies are boosted and bass frequencies are attenuated — without this correction, the grooves would be physically too wide to fit within the recording area of the record. During playback, the phono preamp inverts the curve: it cuts the highs and restores the bass, returning the sound to its original form. A preamp that does not apply the RIAA curve correctly doesn't just sound different — it sounds wrong.

Before buying anything, look at the back panel of your amplifier. If there is an input labelled **PHONO** — not LINE, not AUX, not CD, but PHONO — you already have a built-in preamp inside the amplifier. Connect the turntable there, select the correct input, and you need nothing else.

Hi-fi amplifiers produced up to the 1980s almost universally included a phono input — it was the standard. From the 1990s onwards, as vinyl declined, many manufacturers stopped including one. Modern amplifiers — particularly those aimed at streaming — often lack it entirely. Check before spending.

One important caveat: not all phono inputs are equal. The phono circuit in a €200 entry-level amplifier does not sound like a €200 dedicated external preamp. The phono stage is frequently the component manufacturers sacrifice to control costs. This is why an external preamp — even an inexpensive one — can improve the sound compared to the built-in phono input on many budget amplifiers.

Before buying anything, look at the back panel of your amplifier. If there is an input labelled **PHONO** — not LINE, not AUX, not CD, but PHONO — you already have a built-in preamp inside the amplifier. Connect the turntable there, select the correct input, and you need nothing else.

Hi-fi amplifiers produced up to the 1980s almost universally included a phono input — it was the standard. From the 1990s onwards, as vinyl declined, many manufacturers stopped including one. Modern amplifiers — particularly those aimed at streaming — often lack it entirely. Check before spending.

One important caveat: not all phono inputs are equal. The phono circuit in a €200 entry-level amplifier does not sound like a €200 dedicated external preamp. The phono stage is frequently the component manufacturers sacrifice to control costs. This is why an external preamp — even an inexpensive one — can improve the sound compared to the built-in phono input on many budget amplifiers.

Many modern turntables — particularly entry-level models such as the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB or the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB — have a phono preamp built into the turntable body. This means they can be connected directly to any line input (AUX, CD, LINE) without needing an external preamp.

This is a compromise, not an inherently inferior solution. For newcomers, for simple systems, for anyone connecting a turntable to active speakers: the built-in preamp solves the problem practically. The limitation is qualitative: integrated preamps in turntables use inexpensive components, often the same circuit across an entire product range, and rarely allow the cartridge to express its full potential.

The practical rule: if the turntable costs less than €300, the built-in preamp is probably the weakest link in the chain — but the turntable and cartridge also have their limits, and an €80 external preamp will not transform a Pro-Ject E1 into an audiophile experience. If the turntable costs €400 or more, it makes sense to bypass the built-in preamp (almost all models allow this with a switch) and use a dedicated external unit.

Many modern turntables — particularly entry-level models such as the Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB or the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB — have a phono preamp built into the turntable body. This means they can be connected directly to any line input (AUX, CD, LINE) without needing an external preamp.

This is a compromise, not an inherently inferior solution. For newcomers, for simple systems, for anyone connecting a turntable to active speakers: the built-in preamp solves the problem practically. The limitation is qualitative: integrated preamps in turntables use inexpensive components, often the same circuit across an entire product range, and rarely allow the cartridge to express its full potential.

The practical rule: if the turntable costs less than €300, the built-in preamp is probably the weakest link in the chain — but the turntable and cartridge also have their limits, and an €80 external preamp will not transform a Pro-Ject E1 into an audiophile experience. If the turntable costs €400 or more, it makes sense to bypass the built-in preamp (almost all models allow this with a switch) and use a dedicated external unit.

Phono cartridges divide into two main categories: **MM** (Moving Magnet) and **MC** (Moving Coil). The distinction matters because MM and MC preamps have different electrical requirements — impedance, load capacitance, gain — and an MM preamp will not work correctly with an MC cartridge.

**MM** cartridges produce a higher output signal (typically 4–5 mV) and are the standard choice at entry and mid-range price points. Almost all budget phono preamps are designed for MM. If you have an Ortofon 2M Red, an Audio-Technica VM95, a Rega Carbon — you have an MM cartridge.

**MC** cartridges produce a much lower signal (typically 0.2–0.5 mV for standard MC, even less for low-output MC) and require either a preamp with a dedicated MC stage, or a step-up transformer (SUT) paired with an MM preamp. MC cartridges become relevant above €300–400 in cartridge cost and belong to already-structured systems. If you are starting out, this is not yet your problem.

Phono cartridges divide into two main categories: **MM** (Moving Magnet) and **MC** (Moving Coil). The distinction matters because MM and MC preamps have different electrical requirements — impedance, load capacitance, gain — and an MM preamp will not work correctly with an MC cartridge.

**MM** cartridges produce a higher output signal (typically 4–5 mV) and are the standard choice at entry and mid-range price points. Almost all budget phono preamps are designed for MM. If you have an Ortofon 2M Red, an Audio-Technica VM95, a Rega Carbon — you have an MM cartridge.

**MC** cartridges produce a much lower signal (typically 0.2–0.5 mV for standard MC, even less for low-output MC) and require either a preamp with a dedicated MC stage, or a step-up transformer (SUT) paired with an MM preamp. MC cartridges become relevant above €300–400 in cartridge cost and belong to already-structured systems. If you are starting out, this is not yet your problem.

There are three situations where an external phono preamp is the right choice:

**1. The amplifier has no phono input.** The solution is mandatory. Any dedicated preamp from €60 upwards is superior to having nothing.

**2. The turntable has a built-in preamp but you want to improve the sound.** Bypass the internal preamp, use an external unit from €80–150. The qualitative difference is audible — better bass control, more precise soundstage, lower noise floor.

**3. You have upgraded the cartridge to a better model.** An Ortofon 2M Blue or an Audio-Technica VM540ML running through a mediocre built-in preamp is a waste. The preamp is often the bottleneck preventing the cartridge from expressing its full capability.

When an external preamp **does not** make sense: a complete entry-level system under €300, a Bluetooth speaker setup, occasional listening. In these cases the turntable's or amplifier's built-in preamp is adequate.

There are three situations where an external phono preamp is the right choice:

**1. The amplifier has no phono input.** The solution is mandatory. Any dedicated preamp from €60 upwards is superior to having nothing.

**2. The turntable has a built-in preamp but you want to improve the sound.** Bypass the internal preamp, use an external unit from €80–150. The qualitative difference is audible — better bass control, more precise soundstage, lower noise floor.

**3. You have upgraded the cartridge to a better model.** An Ortofon 2M Blue or an Audio-Technica VM540ML running through a mediocre built-in preamp is a waste. The preamp is often the bottleneck preventing the cartridge from expressing its full capability.

When an external preamp **does not** make sense: a complete entry-level system under €300, a Bluetooth speaker setup, occasional listening. In these cases the turntable's or amplifier's built-in preamp is adequate.

**Up to €80 —** Pro-Ject Phono Box E (~€75): the honest entry point. MM only, simple but clean circuit, solid build. Outperforms the built-in preamp of almost every entry-level turntable. The correct choice for anyone wanting to move beyond the integrated preamp without spending much.

**Up to €100 —** Rega Fono Mini A2D (~€95): MM only, includes USB output for digitising. Rega circuit quality, natural pairing with Rega Planar 1 and 2 turntables. The choice for existing Rega users or anyone wanting to digitise their collection.

**Up to €150 —** Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 (~€140): the mid-range reference. Supports both MM and standard MC. Adjustable impedance and load capacitance — useful when upgrading the cartridge. Separate external power supply to reduce noise. The preamp you will not feel the need to replace for years.

**Up to €300 —** Cambridge Audio Solo (~€180) or Rega Fono MM MK5 (~€220): the qualitative step up from the previous tier is clearly audible. Wider soundstage, better-controlled bass, superior micro-detail. For systems with turntables above €400 and cartridges above €100.

**Above €300:** the territory of serious audiophile preamps (Graham Slee, Lehmann Audio, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3) belongs to systems with turntables above €800 and quality MC cartridges. It makes no sense to approach this range before the rest of the chain is at the required level.

**Up to €80 —** Pro-Ject Phono Box E (~€75): the honest entry point. MM only, simple but clean circuit, solid build. Outperforms the built-in preamp of almost every entry-level turntable. The correct choice for anyone wanting to move beyond the integrated preamp without spending much.

**Up to €100 —** Rega Fono Mini A2D (~€95): MM only, includes USB output for digitising. Rega circuit quality, natural pairing with Rega Planar 1 and 2 turntables. The choice for existing Rega users or anyone wanting to digitise their collection.

**Up to €150 —** Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 (~€140): the mid-range reference. Supports both MM and standard MC. Adjustable impedance and load capacitance — useful when upgrading the cartridge. Separate external power supply to reduce noise. The preamp you will not feel the need to replace for years.

**Up to €300 —** Cambridge Audio Solo (~€180) or Rega Fono MM MK5 (~€220): the qualitative step up from the previous tier is clearly audible. Wider soundstage, better-controlled bass, superior micro-detail. For systems with turntables above €400 and cartridges above €100.

**Above €300:** the territory of serious audiophile preamps (Graham Slee, Lehmann Audio, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3) belongs to systems with turntables above €800 and quality MC cartridges. It makes no sense to approach this range before the rest of the chain is at the required level.