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 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. 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. 

7. Acoustique Quality AQMM3

Acoustique Quality AQMM3. Input impedance: 47 Ω, Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.08%. DC output voltage: 15 V. Width: 95 mm, Depth: 78 mm, Height: 30 mm.

8. Audio-Technica AT-PEQ30

Designed to enhance a turntable with an integrated phono preamplifier or to add a phono equalizer to a stereo system, the AT-PEQ30 phono equalizer is compatible with VM (dual-magnet) as well as MM (moving-magnet) and MC (moving-coil) cartridge systems. Benefiting from Audio-Technica's years of experience in analog audio equipment design, the PEQ30 features premium components and an optimized circuit design that ensures low noise and minimal distortion.

Features include an input switchable between MM and MC (fixed input gain and impedance), compatibility with numerous moving magnet and moving coil systems, high-quality FET inputs for low-noise signal processing when integrated into a phono equalizer circuit with negative feedback, and precision components for excellent RIAA equalization and best-in-class performance. The full metal enclosure provides excellent shielding against radio noise and interference from electronic devices. The machined aluminum front panel and gold-plated RCA connectors (inputs and outputs) are examples of the high-quality materials used throughout the unit.

Details:
- Phono Equalizer
- Input impedance MM system: 47 kOhm
- MC system: 120 Ohm
- Input sensitivity MM system: 4.5 mV
- MC system: 0.28 mV
- Output voltage MM system: 250 mV
- MC system: 250 mV
- Input gain MM system: 35 dB
- MC system: 59 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio MM system: 100 dB
- MC system: 74 dB. 

9. Oehlbach Phono Preamp Pro

The Oehlbach Phono PreAmp Pro integrates your turntable with MM or MC cartridges into existing high-quality HiFi components without a dedicated phono input. The low-noise preamplifier is equipped with gold-plated contacts and ensures a stable and secure connection between the phono device and the HiFi system. With an external power supply, the Phono PreAmp Pro weighs just 100 g and fits easily into any HiFi rack thanks to its compact design. The individual components are connected via analog stereo RCA connections. 

10. Lindemann Limetree Phono II

The Limetree Phono II is a versatile phono preamplifier suitable for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. With a variable input impedance, it allows for precise adjustment to different turntables, ensuring optimal sound quality. Its compact design, measuring 107 mm in width, 130 mm in depth, and 40 mm in height, makes it a practical addition to any audio setup. Weighing only 295 grams, the Limetree Phono II is lightweight and easy to handle. The audio connections are implemented via stereo RCA, facilitating easy integration into existing hi-fi systems. The elegant white finish harmoniously blends into various living environments, giving the device a modern appearance. The Limetree Phono II is an excellent choice for audiophiles who value flexibility and sound fidelity. 

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