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Best Phono Preamps

Updated September 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
ART USB Phono Plus
ART
USB Phono Plus
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Bottom Line

An excellent solution for those in need of digital outputs for transferring analog audio to digital.

Pros

A hybrid that serves as both preamplifier, and audio interface, this unit has a handy selection of analog and digital I/O, making it the ideal solution for transferring your record collection to digital formats.

Cons

This preamp does not include an AC adapter and relies on power via USB.

Best Bang for the Buck
Pyle PP999
Pyle
PP999
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Bottom Line

This preamp's rugged design and quality operation is even backed by a 1-year warranty.

Pros

Simple, strong, and elegant design, without any power LED (an annoyance for equipment that can't be turned off). The Pyle will raise any weak phono-level signal to line level, and even includes a 1-year warranty.

Cons

Some customers have reported a hum at higher volumes, due to poor grounding.

ART DJ PRE II
ART
DJ PRE II
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Bottom Line

Simple operation and elegant design, housed in a heavy-duty case. Looks great next to your turntable.

Pros

Features switchable input capacitance between 100pf and 200pf, with a low cut filter switch on the front panel to make sure your audio is pristine. The smooth lines of the heavy-duty black anodized case also look great on anyone's stereo rack.

Cons

The unit is not built with a power switch, and therefore has a very bright blue power light that does stay on all the time.

GOgroove MINI Phono Preamp
GOgroove
MINI Phono Preamp
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Bottom Line

For those tight on space, the GOgroove provides quality operation for the most discerning consumers in an ergonomic case.

Pros

With this preamp's compact design, you'll be able to hook it up in even the most cramped spaces of your rack. The 1/4-inch TRS Output really helps to make sure that you are sending only the highest quality audio signal.

Cons

The higher frequencies can tend to dominate. There might not be enough bass if that is what you are shopping for.

BEHRINGER MICROPHONO PP400
BEHRINGER
MICROPHONO PP400
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Bottom Line

High-quality components combined with exceptionally sturdy construction remind you why Behringer is a leader in the audio industry.

Pros

Clear audio with boosted signal housed in a compact, yet very attractive, heavy-duty steel casing. It does have a power light, but it is a less-intrusive amber light than comparable models.

Cons

Included power adapter is not the best quality. Some customers have experienced intermittent clipping caused by voltage spikes.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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59
Models
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160
Consumers
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24
Hours
Researched
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There’s been a huge resurgence of vinyl records, and turntables are back in vogue. While the look, feel, and smell of vinyl is a draw, it’s the richer quality of sound that attracts users. However, the signal coming from the record player cartridge is a thousand times lower than a CD player signal, so to boost it through your speakers, you’re going to need to amplify it. Phono preamps do just this by plugging into the turntable via cables. There are 2 types of preamps that correspond to your cartridge, which will be either MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil), so check the manufacturer’s specifications to make the right choice. Phono preamps are a very affordable way to boost your vinyl listening enjoyment.

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