What’s the Best Phono Preamp for Me? |
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While a lot of modern record players are able to generate enough volume for your speakers or amplifier, some models need a helping hand to amplify the sound. This is done with a phono preamplifier and in this Buyer’s Guide, we’ll explain what it does for the sound of your vinyl records. In addition, we’ll cover its adversary: the attenuator. If you have any other questions after reading this quick and useful guide, don’t hesitate to contact us! Preamp | Required? | Attenuator | MM / MC | Connectors | How to Connect | More Info 1. What is a phono preamplifier?This type of ‘preamp’ amplifies phono signals; the weak signal that the needle of your record player picks up from the vinyl, giving it a boost, and balancing the bass and treble. In the 1950s, everyone involved in the music industry agreed to continue producing records in accordance with the RIAA standard (Recording Industry Association of America), so they could get as much well recorded music on one side of a record as possible. To achieve this, the bass must be ‘weakened’ by 20dB during the recording process, while the higher frequencies must be boosted by 20dB. This is because the low frequencies have a larger wavelength and therefore take up more space. By reducing these frequencies, more songs can fit on a record and needles are able to register the signal more easily. A phono preamp essentially reverts the process, boosting the bass with 20 dB and cutting the trebles with the same amount. Then, the signal is amplified as a whole and sent to an amplifier, DJ mixer or pair of active speakers at ‘line’ level.
2. Do I need a phono preamp?
Phono Preamps
3. What is the difference between a phono preamp and an attenuator?While a preamp amplifies sound, an attenuator does the exact opposite: weaken it. As such, attenuators are used to reduce the line signal of a given audio device to make it compatible with devices that only have a phono input (e.g. older amplifiers and mixers). These are generally rarely used these days, seeing as most gear is equipped with one or more line inputs.
4. Needles and cartridges: what do I look out for?One thing you should certainly take into account is that the needle/cartridge transfers the resonance of the record. There are two types of cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). Both have a different output voltage and therefore offer different volume levels and, as their names suggest, one moves the magnet along with the record, while the other has the magnet coil doing the same. Moving magnet cartridges typically require less amplification than MC cartridges, but there are also high-output MC models that can be amplified with the same voltage as an MM cartridge. Some amplifiers distinguish between both via a specific button or switch while others can be universally used (but may not work as well when combined with certain cartridges).
5. What inputs can be found on phono preamps?The most commonly used preamp connection is RCA, which can be recognised by its two red and white plugs or sockets. The same goes for your record player, and you’re likely to find at least one RCA input on most amplifiers, mixers and active speakers. Some phono preamps, however, also come with (professional) connections like XLR, USB or S/PDIF.
6. How do I connect a phono preamp or attenuator?
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Phono Preamps
Links and More InformationProduct Categories Phono Preamps Buyer’s Guides & Blogs How to Connect a Record Player to an Amplifier or Speakers
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