Best selling Phono preamps
Here's a ranking of the best products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. Pro-Ject Phono Box E
The Phono Box E allows for the connection of MM cartridges and offers audiophile music enjoyment. A modern circuit design based on SMD technology minimizes noise and distortion. The integrated shielding and the external power supply leave little room for external interference. Due to its compact dimensions, the Phono Box E can be placed close to the turntable. Both input and output jacks are gold-plated to prevent corrosion. The Phono Box E is connected to a line input (AUX, etc.) of the amplifier.
2. SpeaKa Professional Phono preamplifier
The stereo preamplifier for turntables enables the connection of a turntable to audio devices without a phono input. It amplifies and equalises record player output signals. Advantage The unit can be operated with a 9V block battery instead of the mains adapter. Dreaded hum loops are effectively prevented with battery power supply.
3. Pro-Ject Optical Box E Phono
For those who want to use their turntable with home theater receivers, soundbars, or all-in-one systems, finding only digital inputs can be frustrating, which is why they will love this small box. The Optical Box E Phono meets this need by providing not only a digital optical output but also an analog one, with both being usable simultaneously. Therefore, it can also function as a signal splitter 1>2 and as a straightforward input signal extender 2>1 where no free input is available. Last but not least, the Optical Box E Phono is capable of digitizing not only phono signals but also high-level signals from cassette decks or radios. To ensure these signals remain as unaltered as possible, the A/D conversion is performed with the highest precision at 24bit / 96kHz resolution. It can also be integrated as a standard MM phono preamp with a line output (3.5mm jack) into any HiFi system. The interior of the housing is lined with metal, which eliminates RF interference and prevents vibrations, ensuring an undisturbed listening experience. The Optical Box E Phono is the perfect partner for all modern audiophiles who want to enjoy their analog signal sources with digital or analog playback devices.
4. Cambridge Audio Solo
No matter if you've dug out your old record collection or want to experience the vinyl renaissance, you now have a unique musical experience awaiting you as soon as the needle touches your favorite album. The Solo Phono Preamp preserves the unique warmth of vinyl sound through a state-of-the-art switching power supply and a surface-mounted circuit board layout that reduces unwanted noise.
Enjoy your vinyl collection to the fullest with the Moving Magnet Phono Stage, the Solo Phono Preamp.
5. Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital Edition 2023
The Pre Box S2 Digital Edition 23 takes Pro-Ject's preamplifiers into a new era thanks to the dual-mono design with the highest quality ESS Sabre D/A converters. This allows you to enjoy first-class quality that can resolve up to 32-bit/768 kHz in PCM encoding. The Pre Box S2 Digital Edition 23 has an improved power management design compared to the previous model. With up to seven digital filters, you can customise the sound to your liking and ensure you get the soundscape that suits you every time. The device also works with a remote control and can be used to control the playback programmes on your computer. You can change tracks or pause them directly from the Pre Box.
6. Cambridge Audio Duo
The duo seems to exude a touch of performance. It is a solid, lightweight piece of technology that simply looks great. A rich and rewarding listening experience that I can't tear myself away from. There are only a few other options that can match this kind of listening experience, which, to put it mildly, is quite astonishing.
7. iFi Audio ZEN Stream
Beneath the elegant exterior of the ZEN Stream lies a top-class streamer. It has one purpose: to send music from the internet to your DAC without any loss of quality. The ZEN Stream is a compact, straightforward device that enhances your existing audio system with streaming capabilities. It acts as a bridge between the network and the audio system. The ZEN Stream integrates into the network via WiFi or Ethernet and transmits data to an external DAC or amplifier/speaker with a digital input through the USB or S/PDIF output. The ZEN Stream delivers true Hi-Res performance, supporting PCM up to 32 Bit/384 kHz and DSD256 over WiFi and LAN. Additionally, you can use your smartphone as a remote control for the ZEN Stream with a suitable app, if desired.
From the device drivers to the kernel (the core of the operating system) and the shell (the interface to the kernel), all the way to the applications and user interface – everything is optimized for smooth operation and excellent sound performance. A brilliant aspect of the ZEN Stream design is the ability to choose between five exclusive modes – customized settings for specific operating modes to achieve optimal performance. All other programs are shut down to minimize software jitter – an often-overlooked aspect that negatively impacts audio playback quality. Thus, the ZEN Stream is not only a versatile device but also a master in every area.
8. ART DjPre II
The DJ Pre II (formerly named the "Phono MicroPRE") acts as an interface between your turntable and your audio recording / playback system. The analog input capacitance can be switched between 100pF and 200pF to optimize your phono cartridge response. A switchable low cut filter removes turntable rumble while leaving the audio pristine. The front gain trim control and signal/clip LED allow you to optimize the preamp's gain for a wide range of input sources. The built-in low noise phono preamp circuitry is highly accurate and precisely conforms to the RIAA standard. The line output jacks are low impedance and can be used with any sound card.
Housed in an all aluminum black anodized case, the DJ Pre II can be powered by a wide variety of external supplies. If you need to amplify and EQ your vinyl records to interface with your audio workstation, sound card, home stereo system or main monitor system, the DJ Pre II gives you flawless audio reproduction in a rugged and reliable package.
9. Hama Pa 506
The Hama PA 506 is a high-quality phono preamplifier specifically designed for amplifying and equalizing turntable signals. It is ideal for connecting turntables with magnetic cartridges to audio mixers or stereo systems with line, aux, MD, or CD inputs. The preamplifier features RIAA equalization, ensuring precise sound reproduction. Its solid full-metal housing protects the device from external influences and guarantees a long lifespan. The gold-plated contacts minimize transition resistances and ensure secure signal transmission. The Hama PA 506 comes with an additional power supply that provides reliable power. It is also suitable for use with audio mixers and PC sound cards, making it a versatile solution for audio enthusiasts.
- Low-noise preamplifier with RIAA equalization
- Solid full-metal housing for optimal protection
- Gold-plated contacts for low transition resistances
- Additional power supply for reliable power
- Suitable for turntables with magnetic cartridges.
10. iFi Audio ZEN Air Phono
For those who want to get the best out of their records, a phono preamplifier is essential. With the ZEN Air Phono, iFi Audio offers vinyl enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy music at a super attractive price. Turntables naturally have a weak output signal, whether they are high-end devices or models that have been played for years. With the ZEN Air Phono, you have found the solution: whether MM or MC system, this compact amplifier is compatible with both cartridge types, regardless of age and price range. iFi loves bass. Many amplifiers do not distinguish between distortions from the record and bass signals at the input. As a result, they simply reduce both, leading to a loss of quality in the low-frequency range. To prevent this, the ZEN Air Phono is equipped with an AI Subsonic Filter that can suppress unwanted distortions while delivering balanced mids and lows. This way, you hear everything that musicians and producers have put onto the vinyl, crystal clear, lossless, and without interference.
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