Want to dig a little deeper?
Dont worry Ive got you covered.
First things first…
Whats a phono preamp?
The signal that a turntable produces is too weak to be compatible with standard amplifiers.
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Do you need a phono stage to play vinyl?
Some record players have these built in, but this is less common in quality hardware.
Whats more common is that some amplifiers will have a phono preamp built in.
Normally, they look something like this:
And are phono preamps on stereo amplifiers good?
That, of course, depends.
But if its a cheaper amplifier?
Then its likely some concessions have been made.
But now Ive started using an external phono preamp, Im not sure I can ever go back.
What is an external phono preamp?
you could then plug this into a regular audio input on an amplifier, stereo, or speaker.
And hows it different from an in-built one?
Think of it this way.
On the other hand, an external phono stage has a single purpose.
Its designed to be the bridge between your turntable and stereo.
This means that basically all the cash youre spending is going to doing that specific thing really well.
Does an external phono stage make a difference?
To my ears, hell yeah.
Ill be honest: I didnt expect to hear that much of a difference.
Recently, I upgraded the stylus on my record player to something more premium.
While the sound quality definitely improved, I was disappointed.
After the change, I expected a technicolor burst from my music.
Instead, things sounded a bit… flat.
Clearer, certainly, but not the leap I was expecting or had experienced elsewhere.
Did the external phono preamp improve the sound quality?
When I plugged the NAD PP 2e external phono preamp into my amplifier, the difference was stark.
The sound was richer and rounder, the disappointing flatness of my new stylus had dissipated.
In its place, the music sounded vibrant and textured.
God, Im getting all teary eyed just thinking about it.
Would you recommend the NAD PP 2e?
Its an absolute breeze to use.
Press a button on the machine and,boom,gorgeous sound.
Its also a bit of a bargain.
At around $180, it costs less than my new stylus did.
I mean, its not cheap.
Something like the NAD PP 2e will make that experience all the sweeter.
What are the other benefits to an external phono stage like the NAD PP 2e?
Beyond simply the sound improvements, there are some structural benefits to an external phono preamp.
Mainly that having one allows you more flexibility over the years.
You have a wider choice of amplifiers you might work with.
You also have the option of experimenting with different cartridges, whether theyre moving magnet or moving coil.
What should I look for when buying my first external phono preamp?
Go into a store and try some out.
Rega, iFi, or Pro-Ject all make wonderful hardware.
But everything sounds different depending on what equipment you have and, most importantly, your ears and taste.
This is a journey you better take yourself.
And you know what?
Im excited for you.
Thats enough from me today Ive got a lot of records that need listening to.
Ill catch you chumps later.
