You may have heard of the phono stage, or phono preamp as it is often called, and wondered why it would be necessary. Surely, you might think, a built-in amp would be the easiest option?  However, when looking for the best possible sound quality, a combination product can be a false friend, and often contains the bare minimum of everything they offer.  Essentially, sharing a single power supply between the electrically noisy turntable motor and the very sensitive preamp stage is often not the optimum solution.  In fact, the phono amp is often the best way to achieve a really good sound.

The output from a magnetic cartridge installed in a good quality turntable is a lot lower than that provided by a CD or a tape, and therefore demands an additional stage of amplification.  The recording process used to create records also adds equalization which must be removed during playback to restore proper tonal balance.  Most older receivers and amps used to include an additional gain and re-equalizer stage, allowing direct connection of a turntable.  In order to assess whether your equipment has this is easy; you just need to look for PHONO on your source selector switch, and jacks labelled PHONO on the rear.  Newer stereo equipment made after 1990 tends not to have phono input.  This is the case with most mini-systems and home theatre units as well as many stereo receivers and amps.  Managers seeking to lower production costs started to leave out the phono input because records and turntables are often seen as unnecessary in today’s world of CD and DVD technology.
Many preamped tables provide little or no shielding for the preamp section, feature tone arms with pin-type pivots and have plastic platters. This type of machine is being sold as component stereo equipment despite the fact that it is actually quite outdated.

It is also possible to buy USB turntables, which are often sold on television shopping channels and in shopping centres. The USB converter in the table connects directly to your computer, bypassing your sound card and line output.  However, the ADC in your sound card or laptop is likely to be better.  This can leave you with MP3 files and CD-Rs that are too loud or too soft when compared with shop bought CDs and other music sources.  What is more, some USB turntables have ceramic cartridges, and so risk ruining the record.

The phono stage is, therefore, the most effective way of ensuring you meet your audio needs.  There is no need to compromise on sound or the health of your equipment when using a phono preamp.  It is remarkably easy to source the phono amp on the web for a decent price, so there is no excuse for not using the best possible system for your music.

Please visit https://www.whestaudio.co.uk/ for further information

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