You need a phono preamp whenever your turntable has no built-in one and your amplifier has no phono input. For most beginners, a model like the Music Hall Mini 2 (€99) does the job, and anyone stepping up will find adjustable gain and loading for MM and MC cartridges on the MOON 110LP V2 (€590). If the turntable already has a built-in preamp, like the Vulkkano TD10 (€159), or the amplifier has a phono input, like the Cambridge Audio AXA35 (€429), you do not need to buy anything.
What does a phono preamp do?
A turntable cartridge produces a very weak signal, far below the level an amplifier expects on a normal input. Records are also cut with the bass reduced and the treble boosted, so more music fits in the groove. The phono preamp does two jobs. It amplifies the signal and applies RIAA equalization, which restores the original balance of bass and treble. Plugging a turntable into a line input without this stage gives you a quiet, thin sound with no body.
When is a phono preamp already built in?
Many entry-level turntables have the preamp inside the chassis. In our store, the Vulkkano TD10 (€159) and the Vulkkano TD20 (€229) have an integrated phono preamp and a line output, so they connect straight to active speakers. The Rekkord Audio F100P (€359) is the version of the F100 with a built-in phono preamp.
The other route is through the amplifier. The Cambridge Audio AXA35 (€429) is a 35 W per channel integrated amplifier with an MM phono input. Heed also sells an MM phono card (€185) for its Obelisk series amplifiers. In all these cases you only need an external preamp if you want better quality than the built-in one.
MM or MC: what is the difference?
MM (moving magnet) cartridges have a higher output and a standard 47 kΩ load, so almost every phono preamp accepts them. MC (moving coil) cartridges generate a much weaker signal and need more gain, around 60 dB or more, plus a load that is often adjustable in ohms. That is why an MM-only preamp does not suit a low-output MC. High-output MCs are an exception and work with many MM preamps.
If you plan to buy an MC cartridge later, it is worth choosing a preamp that accepts both now. You can see what is available in our turntable cartridges collection, and our guide to Skyanalog MC cartridges explains how to pick one.
When is an external preamp worth it?
When the turntable has no preamp, when you want to change cartridges and have gain and loading tailored to them, or when the amplifier's own preamp holds back the rest of the chain. An external unit also lets you keep the turntable away from the amplifier, which reduces hum. See the full range in our phono preamplifiers collection.
Our selection at a glance
| Model | Price | MM / MC | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Hall Mini 2 | €99 | MM and high-output MC | A first turntable without a preamp |
| Heed Audio Questar | €390 | MM or MC version | Entry level, power supply sold separately |
| MOON 110LP V2 | €590 | MM and MC | Anyone who wants to adjust gain and loading |
| Heed Audio Quasar | €790 | MM and MC | Demanding MC cartridges |
| Aurorasound VIDA Prima | €1,390 | Not stated on the page | Those who value Japanese build quality |
| MOON 310LP | €2,190 | Gain from 40 to 66 dB | Mid to high-end systems |
| Leben RS-30EQ | €2,490 | 23.5 dB gain | Tube lovers |
Why we picked each model
Music Hall Mini 2 (€99)
A compact solid-state preamp with RIAA equalization and a line-level output, compatible with MM and high-output MC cartridges. It measures 89 x 51 x 38 mm and is made in the USA. It pairs naturally with Music Hall turntables, but suits any turntable without a preamp and any amplifier with a line input.
Heed Audio Questar (€390)
Heed describes it as the entry point into vinyl, in two versions (MM or MC), with a two-stage topology and discrete bipolar transistors. The price does not include a power supply, and the page says it needs at least the X-PSU, so add that to your budget.
MOON 110LP V2 (€590)
This is what we recommend to anyone who wants to learn what each setting does. It has selectable gain (40, 50, 54, 60 and 66 dB) and input impedance from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ, plus adjustable capacitance and an IEC or RIAA curve. The chassis is all aluminum and it is meant to stay powered on.
Heed Audio Quasar (€790)
It has separate MM and MC input stages, adjustable gain and MC impedance, and a discrete bipolar transistor design. The power supply is separate (Q-PSU) and not included in the price. A good choice for anyone who has, or will have, a more serious MC cartridge.
Aurorasound VIDA Prima (€1,390)
The entry to the VIDA family, hand-assembled in Japan. It combines NF and CR RIAA compensation in one circuit, with Linear Technology and Texas Instruments semiconductors, WIMA capacitors and an integrated supply with a toroidal transformer. The page does not state which cartridge types it supports, so check with us before buying.
MOON 310LP (€2,190)
It has an isolated power supply with a toroidal transformer, RCA and XLR outputs and 40 to 66 dB of gain, which covers MM and MC cartridges. Signal-to-noise reaches 110 dB at 40 dB of gain. For those who have already invested seriously in the turntable and cartridge.
Leben RS-30EQ (€2,490)
A tube preamp with a CR-type equalizer and GE 12AT7 tubes, with no negative feedback. Its 23.5 dB of gain is that of a preamp designed for higher-output cartridges. The sound is clear and full-bodied, for those who prefer the signature of tubes.
What to consider before buying
- Confirm whether your cartridge is MM or MC before choosing the preamp, and keep its output voltage in mind.
- Check whether the power supply is included. On the Heed Questar and Quasar it is sold separately.
- Connect the turntable's ground wire to the preamp to avoid hum.
- Listen first whenever you can. You can bring your turntable to our listening room in Lisbon.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a phono preamp if my amplifier has a phono input?
No, that input already includes the preamp. An external one only makes sense if you want better quality, or if the amplifier's phono input is MM-only and your cartridge is MC.
Can I plug a turntable into a normal amplifier input?
Only if the turntable has a built-in preamp. Otherwise the sound comes out very quiet and unbalanced.
Does an MM preamp work with an MC cartridge?
Generally not, because MC cartridges need more gain. High-output MCs are the exception and work with many MM preamps.
Is it worth spending more on a phono preamp?
When the cartridge and turntable justify it, yes. The difference shows in background noise and detail.
Also read your first turntable: how to choose and vinyl or streaming.