Phono Preamps That Make Your Vinyl Sing
The Schiit Mani 2 stands out as the best phono preamp for most listeners, offering exceptional clarity and adjustable gain for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Its main advantage is its transparent sound and robust build, but it lacks a built-in power supply, so you’ll need to provide a 16V AC adapter.
A phono preamp is essential for playing vinyl through modern audio systems that lack a dedicated phono input. It amplifies the tiny signal from your cartridge and applies the RIAA equalization curve, restoring the original audio balance.
In this roundup, we’ve selected phono preamps that offer different features and price points, from budget-friendly models to high-end units, ensuring there’s an option for every vinyl enthusiast.
What we recommend
Schiit Mani 2
The Schiit Mani 2 is a compact, high-performance phono preamp that works with both MM and MC cartridges. It features adjustable gain and loading, making it versatile for various setups. Owners report a clean, detailed sound that reveals nuances in recordings.
Pros
- Transparent and dynamic sound
- Wide range of gain and loading options
- Compact and sturdy build
Cons
- Power supply requires additional purchase
- No balanced outputs
Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra
The Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra is a high-end phono preamp that offers exceptional detail and adjustability. It features a fully discrete, dual-mono design with multiple gain and capacitance settings, making it ideal for fine-tuning your cartridge. Enthusiasts praise its transparent and engaging sound.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and channel separation
- Extensive adjustability for MC and MM cartridges
- Subsonic filter eliminates rumble
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires careful setup to maximize performance
iFi Zen Phono
The iFi Zen Phono is a budget-friendly phono preamp that delivers surprisingly high-end sound. It supports both MM and MC cartridges with adjustable gain, and features a built-in power supply that reduces noise. Users appreciate its smooth, natural sound and simple operation.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Built-in power supply
- Supports both MM and MC cartridges
Cons
- No loading adjustments
- Lacks a subsonic filter
U-Turn Audio Pluto 2
The U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 is a plug-and-play phono preamp that offers excellent sound quality with no adjustments needed. It’s designed for MM cartridges, which covers the majority of turntables. Users love its clean, uncolored sound and minimalist design.
Pros
- Simple setup
- Clean, neutral sound
- Compact and durable
Cons
- No MC support
- No gain or loading adjustments
Music Hall Mini Plus
The Music Hall Mini Plus is an entry-level phono preamp that offers decent performance at a low price. It’s specifically designed for MM cartridges and provides a clean, warm sound that’s perfect for beginners. Owners appreciate its simplicity and value.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to use
- Solid build
Cons
- No MC support
- Basic features
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo
The Cambridge Audio Alva Duo is a versatile phono preamp that includes aptX HD Bluetooth, allowing you to stream vinyl wirelessly to headphones or speakers. It supports both MM and MC cartridges and features a low-noise design. Users enjoy the convenience of wireless listening without sacrificing sound quality.
Pros
- Bluetooth with aptX HD
- Adjustable gain
- Built-in power supply
Cons
- Higher cost due to Bluetooth
- No loading adjustments
ART DJ Pre II
The ART DJ Pre II is a professional-grade phono preamp designed for DJs and musicians. It offers switchable gain and a subsonic filter to eliminate low-frequency rumble. Its rugged metal chassis and included power supply make it reliable for performance use.
Pros
- Durable metal casing
- Subsonic filter
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited gain options
- No MC support
How to pick the right one
How they stack up
| # | Model | Gain | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schiit Mani 2 | 30, 42, 48, 59 dB selectable | Best Overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra | 40, 50, 60, 70 dB selectable | Best for Audiophiles | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | iFi Zen Phono | 36, 48, 60 dB selectable | Best Value | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 | Fixed 40 dB | Best for Simplicity | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | Music Hall Mini Plus | Fixed 40 dB | Best Budget Option | 8.5 | Check price |
| 6 | Cambridge Audio Alva Duo | 40, 50, 55, 60 dB selectable | Best with Bluetooth | 8.8 | Check price |
| 7 | ART DJ Pre II | Switchable 35.5 dB or 42.5 dB | Best for DJs | 8.2 | Check price |
Good to know
Do I need a phono preamp?
Yes, if your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp and your receiver or amplifier lacks a phono input. A phono preamp amplifies the cartridge signal to line level and applies RIAA equalization.
What is the difference between MM and MC phono preamps?
Moving magnet (MM) cartridges produce a higher output and require less gain, while moving coil (MC) cartridges produce lower output and need more gain. MC preamps often offer adjustable loading to match the cartridge’s impedance.
Can I use a phono preamp with a turntable that has a built-in preamp?
Yes, but you must switch the turntable’s built-in preamp to ‘phono’ or ‘off’ mode to bypass it, then connect the turntable to the external phono preamp.
How do I ground my turntable?
If your turntable has a grounding wire, connect it to the ground terminal on the phono preamp. This helps reduce hum and noise.
What is RIAA equalization?
RIAA equalization is a standard that ensures consistent frequency response for vinyl recordings. It boosts bass and treble during cutting and reduces them during playback. A phono preamp applies the inverse curve to restore the original sound.
Can I connect a phono preamp to a soundbar?
Yes, if your soundbar has an auxiliary input (RCA or 3.5mm). You would connect the phono preamp’s output to that input, but ensure the soundbar can accept a line-level signal.
Do phono preamps need a power source?
Yes, most phono preamps require power, either from a built-in AC adapter or an external power supply. Some budget models may be USB-powered.
What is a subsonic filter?
A subsonic filter removes low-frequency rumble below 20 Hz that can be present in vinyl playback, reducing unnecessary amplifier strain and speaker cone movement.
Are expensive phono preamps worth it?
For high-end audio systems, a more expensive phono preamp can offer better noise reduction, more accurate RIAA equalization, and more adjustability, leading to clearer, more detailed sound. However, a budget preamp can still be a significant upgrade over a built-in one.
How do I know which gain setting to use?
Check your cartridge’s specifications for its output voltage. MM cartridges typically require 40 dB of gain, while MC cartridges may need 55 to 60 dB. Some preamps have switchable gain to match.
The bottom line
For most vinyl enthusiasts, the Schiit Mani 2 is the top choice due to its excellent sound quality and flexibility. If you prefer simplicity and a lower budget, the U-Turn Pluto 2 offers great performance without adjustments. Audiophiles seeking the ultimate in adjustability should consider the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 Ultra.
