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This Small Hi-Fi Component Is One of the Cheapest Ways to Upgrade a Turntable

Don’t overlook this small but mighty piece of hi-fi gear.

phono-preamp-leadPhoto by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

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By Tucker Bowe

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An external phono preamp is one of the most upgradable components in any entry-level turntable system. The job of the phono preamp is to take the weak signal from the phono cartridge and amplify it so your speakers can play it at a reasonable volume. The best phono preamps not only amplify this signal but equalize it — staying true to the RIAA playback equalization curve — so that it sounds as true to the original recording as possible.

Integrated vs external phono preamps

Many entry-level turntables have integrated phono preamps, which allow you to hook the speaker directly up to powered speakers, a receiver or a powered amplifier. The problem is that these phono preamps are often cheap and more susceptible to distortion. But, most of these built-in phono preamps can be turned off or bypassed, which allows you to upgrade to an external phono preamp.

phono preamps
Testing the Fluance PA10, Rolls Bellari VP549, Rolls VP29 and Schiit Mani 2.
Photo by Tucker Bowe for Gear Patrol

There are two primary types of phono cartridges that a turntable can have: moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC). Both convert vibrations into an audio signal, but they do so very differently. You need to get a phono preamp compatible with the same type of phono cartridge your turntable has. Generally, most entry-level turntables have an MM cartridge and higher-end turntables have an MC cartridge, as the latter has a more complicated structure that helps deliver a more accurate signal.

Gain control

Gain refers to how much the amplifier actually increases the audio signal — too little or too much gain will lead to a distorted sound. Most phono cartridges recommend a certain gain level for them to sound best, and you should get a phono preamp that matches that recommendation. That said, phono preamps that have adjustable gain control offer the ability for users to tweak the gain and, therefore, adjust the sound to the listeners’ liking.

Budget considerations

An “entry-level” phono preamp will cost between $50 and $200. If you’re buying a phono preamp that costs around $100, the rest of your turntable system shouldn’t cost much more than $500. If you have a higher-end system, upgrade to a higher-quality phono preamp.

How We Tested

collage of phono preamps on a desk
I had each of these phono preamps connected to my Pro-Ject T1 turntable.
Tucker Bowe

There are quite a few phono preamps in the sub-$200 range that are designed to partner with an entry-level turntable. We’ve tested a number of them over the years, most of which have a turntable with an MM cartridge — the one pictured is a Pro-Ject T1 ($449). The below list is a combination of phono preamps that we’ve hands-on experience with as well as phono preamps from respected hi-fi makers.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Our Favorite Phono Preamp Under $150

Schiit Audio, a California hi-fi maker, is one of our favorite makers of cheap but good audio equipment. Released in 2022, the Mani 2 has the same exact design as the company’s original Mani, but it’s been updated with improved circuitry to deliver an even cleaner signal. Like before, the Mani 2 supports MM and MC cartridges, has four switchable gain modes, and is designed and built in California. You can also choose the finish: silver or black.

Best Upgrade Phono Preamp Under $60

phono preampAmazon

iFi Audio Zen Phono

Specs

Compatibility MM, MC
Gain 36dB, 48dB, 60dB, 72dB

The iFi Audio Zen Phono is a gorgeous phono preamp compatible with either MM or MC cartridges. Its balanced circuit design reduces unwanted noise and crosstalk. It also has many more features than most phono preamps in this price range, such as gain control (from 36dB up to 72dB), a subsonic filter button (for detecting and eliminating warps), and even a 4.4mm output (for connecting to an amp of powered speakers).

A Standout Phono Preamp for Less Than $200

The Rolls VP29 is one of the most popular entry-level options you can buy. It’s a small, easy-to-use phono preamp that’s made in the USA. A neat feature is that it has a 3.5mm jack so you can easily connect it to any pair of powered speakers. The VP29 can be purchased in fire truck red for around $49, or you can opt for a special edition collaboration between Rolls and Turntable Lab ( New York City hi-fi shop), for a little more. That said, the latter is a more elegant phono preamp (in my opinion).

A Versatile Phono Preamp for Less Than $200

phono preampPro-Ject

Pro-Ject Phono Box DC

Specs

Compatibility MM, MC
Gain 40dB (MM), 60dB (MC)

You can think of Pro-Ject’s Phono Box DC as a higher-end version of the company’s Phono Box MM. It’s still a fairly simple entry-level phono preamp, but it’s compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, meaning it’ll work with basically any turntable.

A Highly Adjustable Phono Preamp Under $200

This phono preamp gives listeners a surprising amount of control over their sound. It has a gain control knob with a dedicated signal/peak LED, so it can work with a wide range of amplifiers. The capacitance can be switched between 100pF and 200pF, which you can fine-tune depending on your phono cartridge response. And there’s a low-cut rumble filter you can turn on or off, too. This customizability is great for tinkerers, but maybe not for somebody who wants a simple plug-and-play option.

A Basic Phono Preamp Under $200

The Pro-Ject Phono Box MM is the company’s most entry-level phono preamp. It’s a solid-state preamp that’s compatible with moving-magnet cartridges — unlike the Phono Box DC (above) — and works well with Pro-Ject’s vast lineup of affordable turntables. It does lack some of the features of higher-end options, like adjustable gains and a physical on/off switch.

Best Phono Preamp for Fluance Turntables

The PA10 is the only phono preamp that Fluance makes, and it’s optimized to be paired with the company’s reference line (RT82-RT85) of turntables. It can work with any turntable that features an MM cartridge. It’s also a good option to pair with a receiver or AV receiver that doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp.

Most Feature-Packed Phono Preamp Under $200

The Rolls Bellari VP549 is a bold phono preamp that’s meant to stand out rather than blend in — just look at its bright red finish and golden knobs. It’s only one of the more feature-packed feature-packed phono preamps you can buy at this price point. It has controls for trim and gain, along with a rumble filter that you can turn on or off (in case you’re noticing a little extra noise). In its rear, it also has a 3.5mm output for connecting to an amplifier or powered speaker system.

A Simple Phono Preamp Best Paired with Powered Speakers

Best-Affordable-Phono-Preamps-gear-patrol-Music-Hall-MiniMusic Hall

Music Hall Mini

Specs

Compatibility MM, MC
Gain 35dB

Music Hall is one of the most well-known names in American hi-fi. Its Mini phono preamp is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. It’s a solid plug-and-play option for most entry-level systems, and it also has a 3.5mm jack so you can simply connect to a pair of powered bookshelf speakers.

A Plug-and-Play Phono Preamp Under $200

The Pluto has been one of the best plug-and-play phono preamps for years. It combines high-end circuitry with components to deliver a warm, balanced sound. And it’s compatible with MM cartridges, so it’ll work with the most affordable turntables. This is the second generation of the original Pluto. It has a more compact design, yet has a higher gain (41dB from the 36dB of the Pluto), active filtering and an updated power supply. It’s also available in two finishes: black or silver.

Drop the Needle

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