What is a phono preamp, and why is it so important?

A phono preamp (or phono equalizer) is one of the most misunderstood parts of a vinyl system—but without it, your system simply won't play.

Why does a record player need a separate amplifier?

A turntable cartridge generates a very weak electrical signal—much weaker than, for example, the output from a phone or a streaming player. The phono preamp amplifies this signal and adjusts it according to the RIAA equalization curve used to record the records themselves.

Without a phono preamp, the signal will be either very quiet or distorted—often manifesting as hissing or a flat, lifeless sound.

 

 

Integrated or external?

Quite a few modern record players, including Audio-Technica and Argon Audio These models feature a built-in phono preamp that can be turned on or off. This is convenient for beginners—no additional equipment is needed, and you can use your existing active sound system or expand it later to enhance your listening experience.

If you want better sound later on, it’s worth switching to an external phono preamp—it’s a matter of budget and expectations, since an external unit typically processes the signal more powerfully and accurately than a built-in one, but this also requires a suitable, high-performance audio system.

These days, you can find quite a few active speakers that have a built-in phono preamp, so there’s no need to clutter up your setup with extra devices. A good example is— Klipsch The Fives: a versatile, all-in-one speaker system with a built-in phono preamp that can be connected directly to a turntable without the need for a separate amplifier or preamp. This is one of the simplest ways to achieve high-quality, spacious sound without cluttering the room with extra cables or boxes.

• – Look for the “Phono/Line” label on the turntable—this indicates a built-in preamp
• – If the amplifier has a “PHONO” input, it already has a built-in preamp, so you won’t need to buy one separately
• – If the speakers (e.g., Klipsch The Fives (for example) has a built-in phono input, so a separate phono preamp isn't necessary either

 

Of course, for those seeking precision, it is recommended to build a sound system in which each component performs a single function—this approach makes it easy to upgrade and enhance the audiophile listening experience. For our part, we tend to favor a simpler setup, which can work just as well today without cluttering your home with devices or detracting from the pleasure of listening. We invite you to stop by for a consultation, during which we’ll help you choose the best turntable and speaker setup for you, taking into account your budget, room size, and needs.