Best phono preamps according to redditors
We found 80 Reddit comments discussing the best phono preamps. We ranked the 21 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 80 Reddit comments discussing the best phono preamps. We ranked the 21 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Like most people said, discogs is your place for reviews. Look up a specific pressing and there will often be reviews of that pressing.
For example, if you were looking to buy Pinkerton by Weezer on vinyl,you would look up discogs and learn that the MoFi and VMP pressings sound better than the 'back to black' pressings.
Generally, there are a few to avoid, but that's mostly in terms of labels and pressing plants. All albums "translate" well to vinyl, as in given the right pressing conditons, even a modern digitally recorded album will sound cool on vinyl. There are some purists who think that only analogue sourced music works on vinyl but they can jump in a lake. It's more about specific pressings.
Also, your turntable and setup will have a huge impact on how your record sounds. Go speak to the angry mob at r/vinyl for setup help.
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Edit: shit, since I'm going too deep on this comment already, here are some setup tips if you need them. Stay away from Crosley. Don't buy a bluetooth turntable because... that's analogue -> digital and defeats the purpose. You may read that the incredibly popular Audio Technica ATLP 60 will DESTROY your records. It absolutely will not (if you play each record less than 1,000 times like a normal human). However, that does not mean it's a good turntable. I would avoid it and look for a more expensive turntable - the investment will be worth it in the end. I've heard the U-Turn tables are good for beginners but haven't used them personally. Pro-Ject tables, which I have used, are also good. You're also most likely going to need an amplifier/receiver. If your amplifier doesn't have a phono pre-amp (it will have "phono" written on the back, along with a grounding pin), you will need to pick up a seperate pre-amp. I recommend the Pro-Ject phono box.
ART DJ Pre II. Adjustable gain and a subsonic filter. Generally considered the best phono stage until you hit the $200+ mark.
https://www.amazon.com/ART-DJPREII-Audio-Turntable-Preamplifier/dp/B000AJR482
For $10 over your budget, I'd suggest this;
https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Bear-Turntable-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B075YQM28P/ref=pd_sbs_23_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B075YQM28P&pd_rd_r=a55e9663-c5fc-11e8-a9f9-45c00ac54db7&pd_rd_w=il42v&pd_rd_wg=ZIGqR&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=0bb14103-7f67-4c21-9b0b-31f42dc047e7&pf_rd_r=ZR0971SVJMV8BPR9P1B1&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=ZR0971SVJMV8BPR9P1B1
Tubes do something really wonderful with vinyl. And even though this is pretty much a solid state preamp, it does use the tubes as a buffer which get you most of the sound.
My Rega P1 is is plugged into a " Rega - Fono Mini A2D MM Phono Preamp & USB A/D Converter ", then fed to my laptop so I can record records as I listen. I run those through Audacity to clean audio, save as a Flac file and upload to Google Music. I'll either listen with a set of Bose desktop speakers, or through Soundheiser open ear headphones (which is the better experience in my case). And because it's on Google Music, I can hear my records anywhere! Next best thing to hearing the actual record.
First of all, before I give suggestions, let me just say it's definitely possible to find something better than what I'm recommending for less money if you go vintage or scour craigslist. However I don't have the knowledge to really help you with vintage gear. I know it takes time, patience, possibly repairs & finding parts, etc. Plus you need to know what you're looking for. And if you don't live in a huge city with tons of quality vintage hi-fi stuff on craigslist or floating around in goodwill stores, it could be a while. So if you want to go that route, maybe somebody around here could take a look at your local craiglist or something and help you out.
So with that being said, if you want to go new/newish, this is the exact lineup I bought for my first setup recently. It's all going to fall into the category of entry level/minimum for "audiophile" so it won't absolutely blow your mind, then again looking at your current situation maybe it will lol:
Project Debut Carbon DC (usually a $400 table, available for $300) here
You will see a lot of people recommend Project, Rega and U-Turn as the best entry level "audiophile" style tables. I am not a man of means so it worked for me. The DC is the upgraded version of the Debut Carbon with a better, quieter power source. Comes with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate, which your LP60 does not have and the absence of which can cause damage to your records. Furthermore you can upgrade the stylus, the platter, I think the tonearm (?) down the road if you wish, when more money becomes available. It comes with an Ortofon 2M Red which is a solid budget cartridge.
Audioengine A5+ - lightly used $319
Very good powered speakers for the money, so you wouldn't have to spend money on a receiver/amp at this time. I've been thoroughly impressed with them.
Project Phono Box S lightly used - $161.50
Phono stage. Could maybe find one for cheaper that would be just as good, I don't know a ton about phono stages. Remember to set the gain to match your TT when you get it.
Total: $780
I know you said your budget maxed at $600, maybe wait another paycheck or 2 or find a different cheaper phono stage and/or downgrade the A5+ speakers to A2's which are bookshelf speakers if you're ok with that.
There are a lot of options out there, this is just what I ended up going with recently and I'm very satisfied. I've already upgraded the platter on the TT to an acrylic one, and will prob upgrade the cartridge next christmas as a gift to myself, thinking maybe the 2M Bronze. But this will absolutely serve and give you a huge increase in performance from day 1.
You should have gotten the phono preamp and amplifier before even buying records, but, cest la vie. Out of curiosity, how did you even listen to them while they were that quiet?
You need a phono preamp so that you can boost the signal from the record player to line level. You'll plug the record player into the phono preamp, and then the phono preamp into your amplifier, and finally amplifier into speakers.
I chose the TCC 760 phono preamp and a NAD C325 amplifier for my introductory setup.
Well, the best thing would be to find a deal on a vintage stereo receiver with a phono input.
In any event, if you have unpowered speakers, you need to have some sort of amplifier. Depending on the size, you could get away with something like a preamp (to bring the turntable up to line-level output) and running that into a T-amp, which might be enough to power your speakers.
Preamp: something like this.
T-amp: something like this.
What would be the difference between these Phono Preamps? They all vary in price, and I've seen them all talked about on this sub, and I've researched review sites/videos on Google and YouTube, etc. And I really can't find someone saying one or the other is clearly better. There's just so many preamps I see that are recommended, and I keep asking questions in this thread to get a better idea so that I can purchase one.
Schiit Mani -- http://schiit.com/products/mani
Music Fidelity V90 LPS -- https://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-V90-LPS-Phono-Preamp/dp/B00E5BY9SO/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1475180747&sr=1-2&keywords=schiit+mani
Rolls VP29 --https://www.amazon.com/rolls-VP29-Phono-Preamp/dp/B0002BG2R2/ref=sr_1_6?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1475183493&sr=8-6&keywords=bellari+phono
Pro-Ject Phono Box MM -- https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-Preamplifier-Black/dp/B000YEK1AQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1475183640&sr=1-2&keywords=project+phono
Hackerman Bugle 2 -- https://hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com/products/bugle2
Pro-Ject Phono-Box S -- https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Audio-Phono-preamplifier-Silver/dp/B007I961IQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475184602&sr=8-1&keywords=project+phono+preamp+s
These are all phono preamps that I've seen that are pretty popular on the Internet and on forums, reddit, etc, but I don't know the difference between all of these. If it helps, I just purchased a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC and I already have Audioengine 5 speakers.
For budget, I'd want to stick between $100 and $200, but I'm willing to go to $250.
I would be very hesitant about running something as weak as a phono signal that distance. At very least make sure you use a phono pre-amp near the turntable and plug into a non-phono input at the receiver. I would consider something like a Sewell Sound Link - but I'd definitely use the phono pre-amp before sending through that and use the non-phono input on the receiver.
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The extender:
https://sewelldirect.com/products/sound-link-al10-rca-3-5mm-over-cat5e-6-2000ft
There are obviously much better phono preamps - but this would be bare minimum.
https://smile.amazon.com/Behringer-Microphono-PP400-Ultra-Compact-Preamp/dp/B000H2BC4E/ref=sr_1_6
Something like these would be better:
https://smile.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Audio-Phono-preamp-Output/dp/B007DB5I60/ref=sr_1_14
or
https://smile.amazon.com/Schiit-Mani-Phono-Preamp-Cartridges/dp/B07P8WYX6N/ref=sr_1_11
The Parasound Zphono is a fantastic unit to add to your list of options. There is also This version, with usb out to record vinyl. The headphone out, and three inputs (just one phono) are a nice touch as well. Both support MM and MC cartridges.
Speakers should be most of your budget as they have by far the biggest impact on sound quality. I built my entire system for around the same amount, and incidentally also considered the RP6.
I went:
:edit: Keep your Yamaha, it puts 90W at .09% distortion into 8ohm and looks from the spec sheet like it can handle 4ohm loads as well. You will be fine with that amp driving anything but the most demanding speakers. Your amp also has airplay built in, which is incredibly useful when you have friends over etc.
With links!
Turn table - https://uturnaudio.com/products/orbit-custom
Monitors - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Rokit6G3--krk-rokit-6-g3-6-inch-powered-studio-monitor
Preamp - https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Bear-Turntable-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B075YQM28P/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=little+bear+tube+amp&qid=1557685982&s=gateway&sr=8-5
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I bought my Turntable without a preamp specifically so I could choose my own. When/If you build a custom u-turn table you can have one installed into it to save on headaches and space. Hope this all helps! My set up may be small but that's due to budget, not because I don't know much so if you have questions feel free to reach out!!!
Cool! I'd like to see some pics of those speakers when you get a chance. I read this blog about this preamp and I'm contemplating one for my next purchase. I currently run an 80s Yamaha with an integrated preamp...it is pretty nice, but I'd like to upgrade sometime.
Best of luck to ya!
I think the 551p and 651p are now discontinued and replaced by the CP1 and CP2 so here's the price comparison:
Big price difference. I've heard great stuff about their preamp and they were at the top of my list when I was looking for a cheapish one $100-150, but I couldn't find one for a decent price here.
Stylus upgrade: Ortofon Stylus 20 $149 or LP Gear stylus for Ortofon OM-30 OM30 cartridge $129.
Better and less cost cartridge upgrade: NAGAOKA MP-110H MP cartridge with Shell $87. Just the cartridge is usually $129. Remove the cartridge from the headshell, install on Orbit tonearm and do a cartridge alignment.
Speakers usually offer the most sound quality improvement for the buck. Consider passive speakers with an amp or receiver. Do you also use the setup with a TV?
What is your speaker upgrade budget?
Check out r/BudgetAudiophile for generally under $1000.
After you upgrade your speakers: Phono preamp upgrade. Your Pluto is a decent starter entry level. I like the Schiit Mani a bit better but probably not worth switching but it does add adjustable gain settings. Maybe try a Hagerman Bugle3 $189 or if you DIY, Muffsy DIY Phono Kit. On sale, Musical Fidelity LX2 LPS Phono Preamplifier $199 or Vincent PHO 8 $299. If you use headphones and don't have a headphone amp already, Bellari VP130 Tube Phono Stage / Headphone Amplifier or Cambridge Audio Duo MM/MC Phono Preamplifier with Headphone Amp.
Okay, here we go then. I'll give a few options for each component
Turntable:
Phono Preamplifier:
Speakers:
Any left over money I'd recommend spending on the following accessories:
Any of this would be a good setup that would give you pretty nice sound. I've opted to suggest powered speakers to avoid the cost of a separate amp/receiver. This allows more of your budget to be spent on the table and speakers.
I haven't heard the Rega Fono, but I have heard the Cambridge.
I'd certainly take the Cambridge between the two of them, especially considering how stupid cheap a reconditioned one is on Accesories4Less right now.
IMO, the best phono preamp that can be had in that price range is the Vincent PHO-8. Fully isolated power supply in its own chassis and MC/MM support. It punches way above it's weight, I haven't heard a preamp under $1000 that sounds as good (though I'm sure they are out there).
shitty. I have a Yamaha R-S700 (3 years old) all analog receiver..and the phono pre-amp sound like ass. I bought a Cambridge Audio CP2 preamp and the diff is night and day. Point is that built-in phono pre's are seldom of the quality you can get with a separate - even at a value price like the Schiit or Rega.
https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-Mani-Phono-Preamp-Cartridges/dp/B07P8WYX6N/ref=pd_cp_267_4/132-5221849-4872706?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07P8WYX6N&pd_rd_r=feaaf4e2-af77-4029-b754-d978bebc5084&pd_rd_w=jpQxq&pd_rd_wg=xLnNS&pf_rd_p=0e5324e1-c848-4872-bbd5-5be6baedf80e&pf_rd_r=BPYQBP6ZST4EJAFH40C4&psc=1&refRID=BPYQBP6ZST4EJAFH40C4
If you really want an answer, r/audiophile is a better place to ask.
if that's including a turntable then the LSR305's may be your best bet. To achieve a new passive setup that's better than those, you'll need at a minimum this receiver with these speakers, which leaves you with ~ $170 for a U-turn orbit, but still short of a phono stage. I've heard that this is a satisfactory budget phono stage, perhaps you could consider it. I have to tell you though, that vinyl is an expensive proposition, and whilst this is a very decent, even competent turntable compared to the Crosleys and the Pyles, it is built to a price, and you might find yourself wanting to upgrade really soon. If you're willing to go used, you might find more options at a similar price point. New, my recommendation would be to perhaps spend a bit more on the receiver and speakers; and add what's remaining to a turntable fund, save up for a bit and get a nice turntable (that's more of a keeper) and a phono stage.
If you think vinyl records have "more fine detail", you're wrong. It makes very little sense to buy a turntable and start a vinyl collection from scratch today.
In any case, you only need a phono stage, not a receiver. Your speakers are powered. If the problem that you want to connect multiple sources, you can get this to do everything or a separate audio switch.
Hello fine people of /r/vinyl!
I'm looking for general thoughts on this setup for my large-ish bedroom. Any pro/cons on amps I haven't thought of? Any general warnings on choosing a preamp? I'm not trying to go too much more expensive unless there is a good argument to do so. Also, any cable advice would be great!
Thanks! (ps. If the 'no stupid questions' thread restarts tomorrow, I may repost this there.)
I'd go with the Cambridge Audio 551P or something like the Pro-ject Phono Box.
Of course there are more expensive and less expensive options but these won't break the bank for your upgrade.
Is this a good preamp to use with the fluance RT82?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P8WYX6N/?coliid=I3282GGRUFDHOQ&colid=3A3W1Z0CUSK9T&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
It seems to be suggested quite a bit, but I'd like something $100 or slightly less if possible.
I am new to preamps, as I've owned record player with them built in but am looking to upgrade my set up to one without. So the preamp is a whole new world. I've been reading for hours on them tonight and it's a bit overwhelming!
Hi all,
I'm looking for some cartridge assistance/general information on a first TT I am purchasing as an x-mas gift for my girlfriend (she's rad).
I've read all the links and guides and have finally settled on two choices for a new TT: the Fluance RT83
or the Denon DP-300F
The Denon DP-300F is on sale for black Friday currently so I am leaning towards it. That being said, I would like to replace the cartridge on it with a Ortofon 2M Red. How difficult would it be for someone completely new to TT's like myself to replace the cartridge? Would I be better off purchasing it already upgraded from another source and just pay the difference for the work and peace of mind that it is done correctly: https://www.turntablelab.com/products/denon-dp-300f-turntable-ortofon-2m-red-upgrade
Also, as a side note, I am looking at pairing both with an active speaker (I'll upgrade and do things the right way as I get more funds--ugh!). And if I go with RT83 I'll pick up a Schiit Mani pre-amp as well. To hook everything up, all I'll need is two pairs of RCA cables for connecting the TT to the pre-amp and then another pair to connect pre-amp to speakers correct? I would hate to get everything all packaged together for x-mas and then figure out I didn't even get the right cables to hook this bad boy up.
Cheers
Yamaha RX-A880 is 900USD.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A880-Audio-Component-Receiver/dp/B07D39HGJW
Might look at some older models, depends on what all you are looking to get from it.
You should be able to find a Yamaha RX-V1065 for around 300USD, does 7.2 and both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.
No, you can't simply connect the RCA cable to the turntable and the crack, phono voltage out is below 'line level' amounts.
To mirror what /u/andrews013 said, yes the aune is probably the weakest point of your stack. If you want to improve your setup, sell the Aune, buy a proper phono pre-amp such as:
TCC TC-750
Rega Fono Mini (which does have a USB output)
Bugle2
or several others & for dac suggestions I'd probably go with either a Schiit Modi, Henry Audio DAC or JDSLabs Standalone ODAC,
if I get something like this http://www.amazon.com/REGA-FONOMMAD2-FONO-MINI-A2D/dp/B006GE9XQQ rega fono mini, do I still need an additional pre amp? if I understand correctly, a phono pre/ phono stage converts the phono signal (?) into a line out signal. do I always need a separate pre amp to also amplify the signal, or is there something I can buy that will do both of these? sorry if these are stupid questions, but I am having a hard time figuring this out
I've had this phono preamp recommended. After that I need a cartridge and some from of audio interface I think. Is a receiver a cost effective option or would I be better off with just an audio interface? Also what cartridge would you recommend?
Pro-Ject Phono Box S ($199) should suit that turntable just fine.
Whats the difference between this preamp and this one? Also what other preamps are better in this price range?
There's the Leema Pulse IV which has a phono stage for both MM and MC cartridges, but it doesn't seem to be purchasable anywhere yet. The only other one I know of is the Parasound Halo Integrated, which can be hard to find depending on your location.
Have you considered using a separate phono preamp? Something like the Schiit Mani or the Cambridge Audio CP2 for example.
Which preamp is better?
I'm going to assume that the amp that you have for your turntable doesn't have a headphone jack already.
I think either of those options would work. Also take a look at these as well.
Parasound Zphono MM/MC Phono Preamplifier with USB https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001RM7BLG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rF1QCbQF9HZ8V
https://www.musicdirect.com/mofi-electronics-ultraphono-phono-preampheadphone-amplifier
https://www.musicdirect.com/cambridge-audio-duo-mmmc-phono-preamplifier
Something like This or This
I do like what you linked though... that's certainly an option.
So I just want to make sure I have everything I need to start listening.
I bought
U-turn basic turn table
Pro ject pre amp
Pro-Ject Phono Box E Phonograph Preamplifier (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CZW87HS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.y5JybP1H26AD
Edifier prowered speakers
Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P9HJIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GA5JybESPYCTD
Try checking this thing out.
Edit: I see that the rega was mentioned below. I believe this will match your needs.
In my opinion this is the best preamp for the money
> Pro-Ject
How about the Pro-Ject one? It's $200: https://www.amazon.com/PRO-JECT-PHONO-BOX-S-BLACK/dp/B0096QYWZI
I'm using this:
https://amazon.com/Technolink-TC-756USB-Moving-Phono-Computer/dp/B00QFEIMD2/
No complaints.
So I'd be better off with this? Schiit Mani Phono Preamp for MC and MM Cartridges https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P8WYX6N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MDVsDbCQME1XV and turning my preamp off on my turntable?
Not quite within your guidelines, but I would consider the PHO8 https://www.amazon.com/Vincent-PHO-8-Phono-Outboard-Supply/dp/B003BFYHDC
Looking to get my first setup, how does this look?
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https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-RT80-Adjustable-Counterweight-Anti-Skating/dp/B01F2B3FKI/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1542324459&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=fluance+rt80
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https://www.amazon.com/JBL-305PMKII-Powered-Studio-Monitor/dp/B077N2GQXC
x2
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https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-Preamplifier-Black/dp/B01CZW87HS
Looks like there are options, you're right that I misjudged the ART. I might be wrong, but it looks like the Pro-Ject Tube Box can be used to control the output with that variable dial. And there seems to be a bunch of no-name phono preamps in the sub-$100 range with volume controls - TEC, Muslady, Fosi... can't vouch for the quality but it does look like it's an option, at least.
I'm looking for advice. I have an Audio Techia LP120 with the stock stylus that was installed at the record shop I purchased it at, and I'm looking to upgrade. My intention is to keep the existing one set aside ready to swap out with the upgraded one when I play older and used records to keep the new one in as good of shape as possible. Is this doable? It seems that the tonearm is made for such an arrangement given as the head shell has a quick disconnect.
Next question is the actual stylus. At first, I was looking at an Ortofon Blue, but I've also seen people really like the AT-VM540ML. Thoughts?
Final question; Protractors...I am so confused and I can't find very much information on selecting a good protractor. I've tried printing them online but I can never be sure that my scaling is correct, so I would rather just buy a product on the market. It seems that most protractors I can find on Amazon are Baerwald, even some disk shaped protractors. Not really sure what the best tool is for my TT. Also, I have 99.9% 12" records, so to my limited understanding of cartridge alignment, I should be aligning for my record size rather than TT or tonearm style.
And lastly, I use the on-board pre-amp on the LP120, the old and cheap Behringer I had before sounds even worse than the on-board one. Would be nice to get that upgraded to as long as I can find a decently affordable option. For example, I found this on Amazon. Although it looks legit with the tubes and all, it is only 65 bucks and I don't want to waste my time and money. If I have to pony up more than that for a decent preamp, then I may start with that before the cartridge.
I've been collecting for a few years now, only this past year have I gotten really serious about it, so I'm sitll learning. Thanks in advance!
https://www.amazon.com/Schiit-Mani-Phono-Preamp-Cartridges/dp/B07P8WYX6N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=134RUUTB0YR6D&keywords=phono+preamp&qid=1565811983&s=gateway&sprefix=phono+pre%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRlZUMlpINjNZVUFDJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTgzMTU5MVRCUkJBUlZDSVRSWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODEyMzg5MkI0TDlHUUoxTzdNNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
It's a little over your budget ($299 from Amazon) but I recently purchased the Vincent Audio PHO-8 and I love it. I have it paired with a Denon DL-103R. Very detailed soundstage, I think the bass is very clean, and beautiful build quality.