Phono Preamp Guide UK (Do You Need One? Which to Buy?)

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Phono preamps confuse beginners. Do you need one? Maybe. Maybe not. This guide explains what they do, when they matter, and how to tell if your setup needs one.

What a Phono Preamp Does

The signal from a turntable cartridge is tiny and frequency-adjusted. Records are cut with reduced bass and boosted treble (called RIAA equalisation) to fit more music into grooves. A phono preamp does two things:

1. Amplifies the weak signal to line level 2. Applies reverse RIAA equalisation to restore the original sound

Without a phono preamp, your turntable's output is barely audible and sounds thin and harsh. Something in your chain needs to provide phono preamp functions.

Built-In Preamps: The Common Solution

Many modern turntables include phono preamps. Look for a switch labelled "phono/line" on the back. Set to "line" when connecting to powered speakers or a regular amplifier input.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, AT-LP120X, Sony PS-LX310BT, and most budget-to-mid-range turntables have built-in preamps. If yours does, you may never need an external one.

Amplifiers with Phono Inputs

Many stereo amplifiers and receivers include phono preamps. Look for an input labelled "phono" rather than "aux" or "line." If your amp has one, use it. Built-in phono stages in decent amplifiers often outperform built-in turntable preamps.

If using an amp's phono input, switch your turntable to "phono" output (if it has a switch) to bypass the internal preamp.

When External Preamps Matter

For beginners with turntables that have built-in preamps: external preamps are unnecessary. Spend that money on better speakers instead.

External preamps become worthwhile when:

- Your turntable lacks a built-in preamp (most Regas, for example) - Your amplifier lacks a phono input - You want to upgrade sound quality beyond built-in options - You're using a moving coil cartridge (needs different amplification)

Budget External Preamps

If you do need one, start modest:

ART DJ Pre II (around £35): surprisingly capable for the price. Adds proper RIAA equalisation without breaking the bank. Popular among budget-conscious vinyl enthusiasts.

Cambridge Audio Alva Solo (around £80): cleaner sound, lower noise floor, better build quality. Excellent value.

Rega Fono Mini A2D (around £100): Rega quality in a compact box. Also includes USB output for digitising records.

Pro-Ject Phono Box (around £50) and Phono Box S2 (around £130): reliable options from a respected turntable manufacturer.

How to Connect

Turntable → Phono Preamp → Amplifier/Powered Speakers

Use standard RCA cables. Red to red, white to white. Connect the ground wire from turntable to preamp (the little screw terminal) to prevent hum.

If your turntable has a phono/line switch, set it to "phono" when using an external preamp.

Common Mistakes

Using two phono preamps: If your turntable is set to "line" output AND you connect to an amp's phono input, you're applying RIAA equalisation twice. The sound is wrong: boomy bass, shrill treble.

Forgetting the ground wire: Causes a loud hum. Always connect the ground.

Expecting miracles: A £50 preamp won't transform your system. Differences are subtle. Focus on speakers and cartridge if you want bigger improvements.

The Honest Assessment

Most beginners never need an external phono preamp. Built-in options handle the job adequately. If you own a Rega or similar audiophile turntable without built-in preamp, start with the ART DJ Pre II or Cambridge Audio Alva Solo.

Upgrade the preamp later, after upgrading speakers and cartridge. It's low on the priority list for improving sound.

Prices approximate at time of writing. Our quiz recommends complete setups including preamps where needed.

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