Turntable Phono Preamplifiers Do Vary In Performance

A turntable produces a tiny voltage output (approx. 1/10th of a CD player's output)so it requires a phono preamplifier to raise it's output level to the same output as a CD player so decent volume levels can be attained.Back in the 1950's through to the 1980's most receivers and stereo amplifiers had decent inbuilt phono preamps.With a few exceptions that is no longer the case.That's why dedicated phono preamps come into the story.The few receivers and stereo amps with inbuilt phono preamps tend to sound thin and harsh;most of what's great about LP sound never makes it to the speakers.

HiFi quality phono preamplifiers start at around $120 and can go up to in excess of $5,000.So what is the difference?The job of a phono preamp is to amplify a very small signal with lots of information so this is an important and delicate task.The quality and design of the circuitry vary between the different models.As you go up the range you typically will improve the cohesiveness and the width and the dynamics of the sound.Of course the cost of the phono preamp should be in step with the cost of the turntable.Starting at under $500 there are a range of valve phono preamplifiers that with the warmth and richness of valves enhance the atmospheric experience that is playing vinyl records.