Phono Stage article
The Ultimate Guide to Phono Stage
Without the right amplification and equalisation, vinyl cannot be played through a modern system. Here is a complete explanation of how a phono preamp works.
A phono stage — also called a phono preamplifier — is the component that makes vinyl playback possible through a modern hi-fi system. Without one, the signal from a turntable cartridge is too quiet and too spectrally incorrect to be useful. This guide covers what the component does, how to match it to your cartridge, and the difference between built-in and standalone designs.
Signal Amplification and RIAA Equalisation
A cartridge on a turntable stylus produces a tiny electrical signal — around 1 to 5 millivolts for a moving magnet design, and as little as 0.1 millivolts for a moving coil type. This is far quieter than the line-level signal that an amplifier expects. A phono stage amplifies this output to line level. It also applies RIAA equalisation: vinyl records are cut with a standardised EQ curve that reduces bass and boosts treble during recording. The unit reverses this curve on playback, restoring the correct frequency balance. Both functions are essential — amplification without RIAA correction, or vice versa, produces unusable results.
Moving Magnet vs Moving Coil Inputs
The type of cartridge you use determines what kind of input you need. Moving magnet (MM) cartridges produce a relatively high output and work with a standard MM input. Moving coil (MC) cartridges produce a much lower output — some as low as 0.1mV — and require either a dedicated MC input with high gain, or a step-up transformer used in combination with an MM input. Most entry-level and many mid-range setups use MM; MC is preferred at the higher-performance end. Matching input type to cartridge type is the most critical compatibility check before purchase.
Built-In Phono Stage vs Standalone
Many amplifiers include a built-in phono stage. These are convenient but variable in quality — a budget amplifier's built-in circuit is typically less refined than a dedicated standalone unit at a similar price. A separate unit allows the electronics to be isolated from the main amplifier's power supply, which reduces interference and improves noise performance. For serious listening, a dedicated unit is the better long-term investment. For the buying decision in detail, see our buyer's guide. For new vinyl listeners, see our beginners' guide.
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