What Is a Phono Preamp?
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A phono preamp is a small amplifier that sits between a turntable and the speakers or amplifier that play it. It raises the tiny signal from the cartridge to line level and reverses the equalization applied when the record was cut. Without a phono preamp, a turntable is far too quiet through a normal input.
What a phono preamp does
A turntable cartridge puts out a signal far weaker than other audio sources, and it needs both gain and equalization. The phono preamp raises the signal to line level and applies RIAA equalization, reversing the balance applied when the record was cut. Gain plus the RIAA curve is the core of what it does.
Why a turntable needs one
A record player output is a phono-level signal, not a line-level signal, so plugging a turntable straight into a normal amplifier input gives a faint sound with the balance wrong, and the record does not play back as it was cut. That is why turntables and amplifiers once had a dedicated phono input.
Built-in or separate preamp
Some turntables have a phono preamp built in, with a switch that selects phono or line output. With the switch on line, the turntable connects to any normal input; with the switch on phono, it needs a separate preamp or an amplifier with a phono input. A separate preamp sits between the turntable and the amplifier and does the same job as the built-in preamp.
How to connect one
Connect the turntable to the preamp with an RCA cable, then connect the preamp to a line input on the amplifier or powered speakers. Connect the turntable ground wire to the ground terminal on the preamp if the turntable has a ground wire. Switch the turntable output to phono when you use a separate preamp, and to line when you use the built-in preamp.
Do you need a separate one
You need a separate phono preamp only when neither the turntable nor the amplifier has a preamp built in. If the turntable has a built-in preamp, switch it to line and connect straight to a normal input. If the amplifier has a phono input, set the turntable to phono and connect straight to it, so only the amplifier preamp is in the chain.
What you need
1 BY ONE High Fidelity Belt Drive
A belt-drive turntable with built-in speakers, a magnetic cartridge and a built-in amplifier for connecting to powered speakers.
- Bluetooth
- Built-in speakers
- Drive: Belt Drive
Victrola Journey
A 3-speed suitcase turntable with built-in stereo speakers, Bluetooth streaming and stereo RCA outputs for external speakers.
- Bluetooth
- Built-in speakers
- 1-year warranty stated
- 5.5 lb, the lightest here
Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable
A fully automatic belt-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp for phono- or line-level output.
- Built-in phono preamp
- 1 year warranty stated
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB-BK Wireless Direct-Drive Turntable
A direct-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp for phono- or line-level output, plus Bluetooth and USB connections.
- Built-in phono preamp
- Bluetooth
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Record Player, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Does every turntable need a phono preamp?
Yes, every turntable signal passes through a phono stage, but it does not have to be a separate box. The preamp can sit inside the turntable or inside the amplifier, as a phono input.
What happens if I skip the phono preamp?
The record plays far too quietly and with the balance wrong, since the signal is still at phono level and the equalization is uncorrected. Connect through a phono preamp or a phono input and the level and balance come right.
Can I use a phono input and a preamp together?
No. Pick the turntable preamp or the amplifier phono input, never both at once, since two stages of gain and equalization make the sound far too loud and wrong. Set the turntable to phono when the amplifier provides the preamp.
Is a separate phono preamp better than a built-in preamp?
Not by definition. A built-in preamp does the same job of gain and equalization, and a separate preamp suits a setup where neither the turntable nor the amplifier has a preamp built in. Choose by what your turntable and amplifier already have.
Ranked turntables lists
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