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The Phono Preamp Guide
Why you need one, built-in vs external, gain and loading demystified.
The box that makes vinyl audible: RIAA equalization, gain matched to your cartridge’s output, and loading that tunes the top end. When the built-in stage is fine and when an external one earns its keep.
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Asked & answered
Do I need a phono preamp?
Yes — a turntable outputs a tiny, RIAA-equalized signal that a normal line input can’t use. You need a phono stage somewhere in the chain: built into the turntable, built into the amplifier (a "PHONO" input), or a separate box. If none of those exist, add an external phono preamp.
Is a built-in preamp good enough?
For getting started, yes. Built-in preamps on decks like the AT-LP120X or a receiver’s phono input are perfectly listenable. A good external stage (Schiit Mani, iFi Zen Phono) lowers noise and adds MC support — it’s an early upgrade, not a day-one requirement.
How do I stop turntable hum?
Most hum is a grounding problem. Connect the turntable’s thin ground wire to the phono stage or amp’s ground post. Keep the deck away from the amplifier and power bricks, and don’t stack it on a subwoofer. If hum persists, try a different outlet or a cheater on wall-warts.
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