Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with it, the need for a good phono stage.
But what exactly is a phono stage, and why do you need one?
In this article, we’ll explore the world of hi-fi phono stages and how they can help you get the most out of your vinyl collection.
From the basics of how they work to recommendations for some of the best models on the market, we’ve got you covered.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of hi-fi phono stages.
What Hi-Fi Phono Stage
A hi-fi phono stage, also known as a phono preamp, is an essential component in any vinyl lover’s setup. It acts as a bridge between your turntable and amplifier, amplifying the very small signal from the turntable cartridge to a level that can be processed by your main amplifier.
In the past, phono stages were built-in to receivers and amps, but as new formats like CD became more popular, manufacturers began to remove or reduce the quality of their in-built phono stages and inputs. This means that many modern hi-fi amplifiers won’t let you plug in a turntable directly, and you need to connect via a phono stage to get the best sound quality.
A good phono stage is essential for reproducing the warm sound of vinyl, free from hiss or bearing rumble. It should be fine-tuned by engineers to ensure that any noise is eliminated before or during amplification, resulting in stunning clarity, musicality, and resolution from all your vinyl recordings.
What Is A Phono Stage?
A phono stage, also known as a phono pre-amp, is a device that connects your turntable to your amplifier. Its primary function is to amplify the small electrical signal generated by the turntable cartridge, which is not strong enough to be processed by your main amplifier.
When vinyl was the primary format for audio recording, phono stages were built-in to receivers and amps, allowing direct connection of a turntable. However, as new formats like CD began to replace vinyl, manufacturers of amplifiers removed or reduced the quality of their in-built phono stages and inputs. As a result, many modern hi-fi amplifiers do not have a built-in phono stage and require an external one for optimal sound quality.
A phono stage works by passing the signal from the turntable cartridge through an external preamp to increase its level. The signal needs to be amplified up to several hundred times its size before it is loud enough for your amplifier. If any noise creeps in before or during amplification, it will become increased in volume and detract from the potential audio quality.
A dedicated phono stage is fine-tuned by engineers to reproduce the warm sound of vinyl, free from hiss or bearing rumble. It is connected using a single audio interconnect cable and can be set up in seconds, allowing you to appreciate stunning clarity, musicality, and resolution from all your vinyl recordings.
While some amplifiers have built-in phono pre-amplifiers, these are often out-performed by external phono stages. Vinyl lovers will instantly hear the difference that a dedicated phono stage makes to music quality. Additionally, there are two types of phono cartridges: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). A phono stage should be chosen based on the type of cartridge being used for optimal performance.
Why Do You Need A Phono Stage?
There are two primary reasons why you need a phono stage in your vinyl setup.
Firstly, the signal produced by a record cartridge is very weak, much lower than the standard signal level produced by most other consumer Hi-Fi electronics. A nominal output level from a phono cartridge is 1 mV (0.001 V), whereas the Aux input on your stereo system requires a signal level of 100 mV (0.1V). To meet the required level, a typical phono preamp will boost your signal by 40 – 50 dB. Without a phono stage, the signal from your turntable would be too weak to be processed by your main amplifier, resulting in poor sound quality.
Secondly, records are cut with the bass frequencies reduced and the high frequencies boosted to permit longer recording times while also increasing sound quality and decreasing record wear. A phono preamp acts to equalize the signal in an attempt to bring it back as close as possible to the frequency response of the master recording. The entire process is referred to as the RIAA equalization curve, which became the general industry standard during the 1950s. Without a phono stage, the sound from your turntable would be unbalanced and lacking in detail.
While some amplifiers have built-in phono preamplifiers, these are often out-performed by external phono stages. External phono stages have better shielding from interference and their own power supply, so they don’t have to share with an electrically noisy power transformer on a hi-fi amplifier. Vinyl lovers will instantly hear the difference that a dedicated phono stage makes to music quality. In summary, if you want to get the most out of your vinyl collection, a good phono stage is an essential component in your setup.
How Do Phono Stages Work?
Phono stages work by converting the electrical signal from the turntable cartridge into a line-level signal that can be played through home audio stereo components such as CD players and DVD players. The signal produced by the turntable cartridge is very small, and needs to be amplified up to several hundred times its size before it is loud enough for your amplifier. If any noise creeps in before or during amplification, it will become increased in volume, detracting from the potential audio quality.
This is where a phono stage comes in. A phono stage passes the signal from the turntable through an external preamp, which amplifies the signal and removes any unwanted noise or distortion. The phono stage is fine-tuned to reproduce the warm sound of vinyl, making sure that the audio quality is not compromised.
There are two types of phono cartridges, Moving-Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). MM cartridges have a magnet attached to the needle, which moves inside a surrounding coil of wire. MC cartridges have a coil that rides on top of the needle surrounded by a magnet. Due to the smaller parts and greater precision, moving coil cartridges tend to be more expensive compared to moving magnet cartridges. The primary difference between the cartridge types is that moving coil cartridges have a much lower output voltage compared to moving magnet cartridges, so they require a higher level of amplification before input to your amp.
When purchasing a phono stage, there are three key considerations to make: how much you should pay, what type of sound you want, and whether you need something future-proof. A good phono stage can help you step up to a better turntable in the future, so it’s always worth thinking about what you’re going to do next before making a purchase. As a general guide, we recommend spending up to 50% of the value of your turntable/cartridge on a phono stage.
Types Of Phono Stages
There are two main types of phono stages: those designed for moving magnet cartridges (MM) and those designed to work with moving coil cartridges (MC).
Moving magnet phono stages are far more common, and MM cartridges are compatible with more preamps. You’ll find that many standalone preamps are compatible with MM cartridges, but many don’t do the legwork for an MC cartridge, so you always want to double-check.
Moving coil cartridges produce a lower signal, usually outputting around 0.2mV. By contrast, moving magnet cartridges create a signal level that hovers between 3mV and 6mV. Both MM cartridges and MC cartridges produce small signals that require amplification and RIAA equalization in order to be converted to a LINE signal. However, because MC cartridges output a much smaller signal, they require more work from the phono stage.
A few preamps will successfully work with both cartridges, those generally include a switch that adjusts the phono stage according to the cartridge type. The Pro-Ject Tube Box S is a great example of a phono stage that’s compatible with all types of cartridges. The Pro-Ject Phono Box RS also offers full-range compatibility with MM and MC cartridges.
In general, MC phono preamps have higher gain than MM phono stages, due to the lower signal output of MC cartridges. MC phono preamps tend to have a lower noise floor and more distinct noise characteristics than MM phono stages (this is also because of the lower electrical signal). Moving magnet and MC phono preamps have different input impedance in order to match the different output impedance.
MC phono preamps have adjustable gain and input impedance that you must manually adjust to meet the signal levels of your specific MC cartridge. MM phono preamps don’t require that, making the phono stage set-up easier.
If you’re looking for a great MM-compatible phono stage, the Pro-Ject Phono Box MM is a great place to start. However, if you have an MC cartridge or plan on upgrading to one in the future, it’s worth investing in an MC-compatible phono stage like the Pro-Ject Phono Box RS or other similar models.
Features To Look For In A Hi-fi Phono Stage
When choosing a hi-fi phono stage, there are several features to consider to ensure that you get the best possible sound quality from your vinyl recordings.
Firstly, it’s important to consider the type of cartridge you have. Moving-Magnet (MM) cartridges are the most common type and require a phono stage with high input impedance and low output impedance. Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, on the other hand, require a phono stage with low input impedance and high output impedance.
Next, consider the gain and capacitance settings of the phono stage. The gain setting determines how much the signal is amplified, while the capacitance setting affects the frequency response of the cartridge. Some phono stages allow for adjustable gain and capacitance settings, which can be useful for fine-tuning the sound.
Another important feature to consider is the noise floor of the phono stage. A good phono stage should have a low noise floor, meaning that any background noise or hiss is kept to a minimum.
Finally, some hi-fi phono stages feature tubes, which can provide a warmer and fuller sound quality. However, it’s important to note that this can come at the expense of neutrality.
Top Recommendations For Hi-fi Phono Stages
If you’re in the market for a hi-fi phono stage, there are a few options that stand out from the rest. Here are our top recommendations:
1. ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier – This budget-friendly option offers a surprising amount of features for its price point, including a low-cut filter, adjustable capacitance, gain control, and a clipping indicator. While it may not deliver the same level of detail and depth as higher-end preamps, it still produces a detailed soundstage with good low-end and pleasant musical highs.
2. Pathos In The Groove MM/MC Phono Preamp – This solid-state phono stage offers both MM and MC compatibility and is known for its well-crafted design. It produces a warm and detailed sound that is free from any unwanted noise or distortion.
3. Manley Chinook MC/MM Phono Preamplifier – Highly regarded in the audiophile community, the Manley Chinook is known for its exceptional sound quality and affordability. It’s been called a “giant killer” due to its ability to outperform more expensive phono stages. It offers both MM and MC compatibility and features adjustable gain and loading options for fine-tuning your sound.
4. Sutherland Engineering SUTZ & Lounge Audio Copla Headamps – These two separate headamps offer exceptional sound quality with minimal noise or distortion. The SUTZ is specifically designed for use with low-output moving coil cartridges, while the Copla is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges.
5. Dynavector DV-20X2 & XX-2 MKII Phono Cartridges – While not technically phono stages, these high-end cartridges are worth mentioning as they can significantly improve the sound quality of your vinyl setup. Both models offer exceptional detail and clarity, with the XX-2 MKII being specifically designed for use with moving coil cartridges.
When it comes to choosing a hi-fi phono stage, it’s important to consider your budget, cartridge type, and desired features. With any of these top recommendations, you can be sure to achieve stunning clarity and musicality from all your vinyl recordings.
