Phono Pre-amplifier Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Firstly, apologies to audio nuts and vinyl afficionados looking for an in depth technical discussion of the ins and outs of phono preamps. This FAQ isn't really written for you. Its for people who don't know what a phono preamp is or what it does.
What is a Phono Pre-amplifier?
The output from a turntable is a fraction of the output of CD players, radios, tapedecks, MiniDisc players, MP3 and other devices you might wish to plug into an amplifier or stereo system. In addition to that, the output from a turntable needs to be modified by something called RIAA equalisation.
A Phono Pre-Amplifier (also known as a phono amp, phono preamp or sometimes a phono stage) boosts the signal from the turntable to the same level as the other devices mentioned and carries out the RIAA equalisation.
Why might I need one?
In the old days amplifiers and stereo systems would most likely have an input designed specifically for a turntable, which would typically be marked as "phono" or sometimes "record deck" or "record player". Modern amplifiers and stereo systems often will not have an input specifically for a turntable. If this is the case, that's where a phono preamp comes in. See our Phono Preamplifiers Section for some options.
Because of this we have put together some Complete Turntable Bundles which can represent a major saving over purchasing the items separately.
We can put together custom bundles to meet your exact requirements and there are potentially big savings to be made. If you can't find a bundle to suit, please contact us or call 0115 877 0781.
The quality of the phono preamp can make a big difference to the overall sound quality. The cheapest will do a reasonable job, but if you are spending a reasonable sum on a more expensive truntable, arm or cartridge spending more on a phono preamp would make sense.
How do I know if I need one?
Check the inputs on your system. Almost all amplifiers and most stereo systems have one or more inputs on the back to attach additional sound sources to (they come in pairs of plug sockets usually red/black, red/white and will be marked "phono", "aux", "CD", "Video" or something similar - sometimes they are numbered)
If there is one marked "Phono" or sometimes "Record Player", then its almost certain your system has a phono preamp built in. You won't need a phono preamp.
If the inputs are marked as anything else then it is almost certain you need a phono-preamplifier to attach a turntable to the system. You can use any of the other inputs to do this even if it says CD or Video.
If your amp or stereo system has no additional inputs (not that likely) then there isn't a lot you can do - you need a new amp or stereo system that does in order to use a turntable.
I've seen Phono Preamps described as MM or MC - what does this mean?
Broadly speaking phono cartridges (the bit on the end of the arm with the stylus in it) come into two categories. Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). Again broadly speaking MM cartridges have a much higher output than MC cartridges. MC cartridges are generally of a higher sound quality and a lot more expensive than MM cartridges.
We say broadly speaking because just to confuse the issue, there are such things as High Output MC cartridges, which for all practical purposes can be considered as MM type cartridges. Unless an MC cartridge is specifically described as High Output it will almost certainly be a normal low output type.
It is important that your phono preamplifier is designed for the type of cartridge you have. Some phono preamplifiers are switchable so will do the job for either.
I want to digitise my vinyl what sort of preamp do I need?
There are a couple of models of preamp we can supply which in addition to having the normal analogue outputs for connection to a stereo system also have a USB output, which allows direct connection to a PC or Mac. This enables you to record your vinylto a PC or Mac, so that you can transfer the dgitised tracks to an iPod, MP3 player or to CD. See our Digitise Your Vinyl section for details of digitising preamps and turntable bundles which include digitising preamps.
Is there anything else I need to know?
That covers the basics, but one thing is worth noting. If you don't need a phono preamp you can plug your turntable in directly. If you do need one, you will also need an interconnect cable in addition to a phono preamp as they don't usually come with one.
If a phono preamp doesn't come with an interconnect we will supply a cheap, basic interconnect. The main virtues of these leads are that they work and they are cheap but cheap cables will seriously compromise sound quality and we recommend you use a better quality interconnect specifically designed for HiFi use. Take a look at our Interconnects section for some options. |
