Are Expensive Phono Preamps Worth It?

Are expensive phono preamps worth it?

You may have heard the phrase “you get what you pay for” before. Sometimes that’s true, while other times, a more budget-friendly option can serve the same function without breaking the bank. When it comes to phono preamps, many vinyl enthusiasts ask themselves, “is an expensive phono preamp worth it?” This article aims to show … Read more

Built-in vs External Phono Preamps for Turntables

Built-in vs External Phono Preamps for Turntables

The world of phono preamps is a complicated one. Preamps come in various forms, shapes, and sizes and just because you have one doesn’t mean you’re receiving the best quality of sound from your turntable. When contemplating using an internal phono preamp vs an external one there are a few key things to consider. Let’s … Read more

Phono preamp tube basics

Phono preamp tube basics

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding phono preamp tubes. Vacuum power tubes have been used in amps, preamps, and speakers for decades, but they can quickly become damaged without proper knowledge and care. When used in a phono preamp, tubes are incredibly important for two main reasons. First, they help to amplify the signal from … Read more

The 10 Best Phono Preamps of 2023

The phono preamp(sometimes referred to as the phono stage) is an important piece of equipment for any vinyl lover to have in their home or creative space, regardless of what kind of turntable they’re using. The phono pre-amplifier is tasked with the important job of boosting the signal coming from your turntable and converting it … Read more

Solid-State vs. Tube Phono Preamps: Pros and Cons

Solid-State vs. Tube Phono Preamps

When it comes to phono preamps, there are many available to choose from. If you’re in the market for one, you are probably realizing there are “kinds” of phono preamps: tube and solid-state. You might be wondering why you’d choose one design over the other. There’s a lot to consider when making that decision and … Read more

How to Connect a Turntable to a Receiver Without a Phono Input

How to connect a turntable to a receiver without a phono input

Back in the 1970s and 80s when turntables and vinyl were one of the only ways to listen to music, many receivers had phono inputs, which can be used to connect your turntable directly without using an external preamp. However, not all modern receivers have phono inputs anymore. If you don’t own a receiver with … Read more

Phono vs Line Signal

Phono vs Line Signal

The common misunderstanding between Line and Phono confuses both new turntable users as well as experienced ones. Within this page, we’ll the differences between the two inputs and why or how you might use one plug over the other. For further reading about turntables as a whole, check out our turntable setup guide. What’s the … Read more

What is a Phono Preamp?

What is a Phono Preamp?

Whether you’re just getting started in the world of vinyl or have been listening for years, phono preamps can be one of the more confusing elements of turntable setups. A record player can come with a built-in preamp, so what’s the deal with people buying an external phono preamp? As most things with turntables tend … Read more