A phono preamp (also called a phono stage) is a critical but often overlooked component in a vinyl setup. It boosts the tiny signal from your turntable's cartridge to a level that amplifiers and powered speakers can work with, while applying the RIAA equalization curve that reverses the frequency adjustments made during vinyl cutting.
Many turntables and receivers include built-in phono preamps, but a dedicated external unit typically sounds better — cleaner, more detailed, and with lower noise. If you're hearing hum, hiss, or thin sound from your vinyl setup, upgrading the phono preamp is often the most impactful change you can make.
ART DJPRE II
$29–$39The budget king. This tiny box punches far above its $30 price tag. Clean amplification, low noise floor, and a gain adjustment knob that most budget preamps lack. A no-brainer upgrade from any built-in phono preamp.
Why We Recommend It
- Remarkably low noise for the price
- Gain control knob — adjustable output level
- RIAA equalization accuracy within tight tolerances
- Compact form factor, powered by included 12V adapter
- Works with moving magnet (MM) cartridges
Schiit Mani 2
$149–$179Schiit's reputation for punching above its price class extends to phono. The Mani 2 offers four gain settings (for MM and MC cartridges), passive RIAA equalization, and sound quality that embarrasses preamps costing twice as much. Made in the USA.
Why We Recommend It
- Four gain settings covering both MM and high-output MC cartridges
- Passive RIAA network for accurate equalization
- Low-noise discrete gain stages
- Compact, well-built aluminum chassis
- Made in Valencia, California, USA
iFi Audio ZEN Phono
$249–$299Feature-rich and sonically outstanding. The ZEN Phono supports MM and MC cartridges with selectable impedance loading, has a subsonic filter to remove rumble, and offers both single-ended and balanced outputs. Audiophile performance, mid-range price.
Why We Recommend It
- Full MM and MC support with adjustable impedance loading
- Subsonic filter removes turntable rumble without affecting music
- Balanced (4.4mm) and single-ended (RCA) outputs
- TDK C0G capacitors in the RIAA network for precision
- Ground lift switch eliminates ground loop hum
Do You Actually Need a Phono Preamp?
Check three things: (1) Does your turntable have a built-in phono preamp? Look for a 'phono/line' switch on the back. If yes, you can bypass it with an external preamp for better sound. (2) Does your receiver/amplifier have a 'phono' input? If yes, it has a built-in preamp — but external usually sounds better. (3) Are you using powered speakers with no phono input? Then you definitely need a preamp between turntable and speakers.
If your turntable and receiver both have phono stages, try comparing them. Switch the turntable to 'line' mode, engage the receiver's phono input, then vice versa. Pick whichever sounds better — or upgrade to a dedicated external unit for the best results.
Our Verdict
The ART DJPRE II at $30 is the best value upgrade in all of vinyl — it'll audibly improve almost any budget turntable setup. If you can spend more, the Schiit Mani 2 offers remarkable performance for the price and will serve you through multiple turntable upgrades.
A good phono preamp makes your entire collection sound better. It's the most cost-effective upgrade in the vinyl chain after proper speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between MM and MC phono preamps?
Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges output a higher signal (~5mV) and need less gain. Moving Coil (MC) cartridges output a much lower signal (~0.2–0.5mV) and need significantly more gain. Most budget preamps are MM-only. If you have or plan to use an MC cartridge, you need a preamp that supports MC (like the Schiit Mani 2 or iFi ZEN Phono).
Will a better phono preamp make a cheap turntable sound good?
It will make it sound better, yes. The phono preamp affects the entire signal path, so upgrading it improves everything you play. However, the turntable and cartridge still matter most. A $30 preamp with a good turntable beats a $300 preamp with a bad turntable.