Ranking of the best phono stage for 2020

"Vinyl is a work that is pleasant to the touch"

Everything forgotten sooner or later returns, albeit in a slightly different form, but still. So vinyl records are back in fashion again. But such a once affordable product is now appreciated and bought by real music lovers and those who love high-quality sound. To play vinyl records, you will need special equipment, in this article we will talk about the best phono stages.

Such a device is a necessary thing for a person who loves “vinyl” and is a true music lover. By replacing the phono stage, you can update and upgrade your entire audio system. It is thanks to him that the sound will become unusual and individual.

In simple terms, the device allows you to convert the sound from a vinyl record, which is not recorded in the same quality as, for example, the sound from a CD. Of course, you can connect a turntable without this device, through an amplifier, but the sound will be too quiet, and it will be almost impossible to hear it even with the maximum volume control turned on.

Some models of inexpensive turntables have a built-in phono stage, however, in terms of the sound quality they produce, they differ from stationary analogs. In some models of devices there are independent phono-recorders, which, if desired, can be replaced with more powerful and high-quality ones.

The history of vinyl

Perhaps, in almost every person, a gramophone record evokes good associations, memories of those past times, evokes positive emotions and frayed cardboard envelopes for their storage, with photographs of once popular pop stars, come down. It is a mistake to think that vinyl is a thing of the past, modern youth, music lovers like to listen to vinyl in updated variations, it is worth noting that manufacturers of non-budgetary musical equipment do not forget about vinyl records. Vinyl got the right to a second life and is becoming more popular every day. Its history is complex and long, and its fate is associated with the development of technical progress, apparatus and players.

If we talk about the concept of a vinyl record, then it appeared in 1948, after the end of the Second World War, and the largest at that time, the producer of records "Columbia", which managed to create "long records", became the material for them. vinylate. Thanks to this material and a special technology to reduce the playback speed, "vinyls" appeared on which it was possible to record entire albums.

Today there are few vinyl manufacturers, but they still exist. This is the German factory "Optimal", where specialists are slowly but surely reviving the production of vinyl records, and they are doing very well.

I would like to point out that vinyl sound sounds much better than CDs or mp3 files. The sound is more natural, deep, clear bass. The sound from a vinyl record is distinguished by its volume and fullness, it is rich and saturated.

Among other things, I release fresh new music on vinyl, and the tactile effect of vinyl is simply impossible to compare with anything else.

So, if you belong to music lovers and lovers of high-quality music, we will discuss in more detail such devices as phono stage, we will tell you about their main functions, pros and cons.

Learn more about the best phono stage

Pro-Ject Phono Box E

Manufacturer - Austria

Price - 6000 rubles.

It belongs to the instruments of a simple level, ideal for working with MM pickups of various modifications. The device is easy to operate, there are gold-colored sockets, ground terminals and a connector for connecting the device to electricity on the back. The device will become an assistant for the turntable. This device is not an OEM, assembled on the basis of a circuit developed by the founder of Pro-Ject, has a simple appearance. The phono amplifier circuit is made on a printed circuit board, the length of the conductors is reduced, and SMD components are used. Thanks to such a scheme, the level of noise and inaccuracies is minimal, providing accurate correction of the input signal. The body of the device is made of plastic, inside the parts are protected by a special screen, which provides reliable protection against electrical interference. Its compact size allows it to be placed near a turntable or amplifier, while the length of the connecting wires. The body color of this model of the phono stage can be made in white or black, the voltage in the power supply is 18 Volts. The device has a wide range, perfectly reproduces music of absolutely any genre, even on players that are of low cost.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	Input impedance	47 kΩ / 120 pF
2	Gain	40 dBA
3	Output voltage	500 mV / 1 kHz @ 5 mV / 1 kHz
4	Noise level	88 dBA
5	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.04%
6	RIAA Precision EQ	+ 0.5 / -0.2 dB in the range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
8	Output	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Power supply	18 V / 500 mA
10	Power consumption	less than 1 watt in standby mode
11	Dimensions (W x H x D)	120 x 32 x 100 mm
12	Weight	0.25 kg without power supply

• affordable price;
• sound quality;
• the components of the device are practically silent;
• there is an internal shielding;
• bass sound is soft and high quality;
• neat appearance;
• compactness;
• the body is made of high quality plastic.

• not found.

Pro-Ject Phono Box MM

Manufacturer - Austria

Price -7000 rubles.

The body of this phono stage is made of metal, which provides protection from external electrical interference. The device is simple in design; high quality components are used in its manufacture. The device's circuitry is built on the principle of dual mono, which provides a decent stereo picture even with a minimum level of interference. This model uses low-noise microcircuits, due to which the sound is amplified and distorted to a minimum. Its printed circuit board is designed so that the circuit length is shortened as much as possible and the audio signal is transmitted as much as possible. The passive components of increased accuracy are used in the RIAA-correction scheme, which have good and stable parameters.

The power supply is an external DC source with a power of 16 Volts; the device has received an additional level of protection against interference and interference. The rear panel of the metal case contains connectors (input and output). The manufacturer has thought about the distance of such connectors, which does not cause inconvenience when connecting connecting cables.

The device has a ground screw for connecting the corresponding terminal of the interconnect. The device is compact in size, which allows it to be placed close to other devices. The phono equalizer differs in the quality of the transformed and produced sound and can be used with turntables of the primary and middle classes. It can be safely used with different models of MM - pickups, and with MC - heads, which develop a high quality signal at the output.The amplitude of such a signal can reach 200 mV, the device will be a good alternative for built-in phono preamps and other amplifiers and receivers.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	Input impedance / load capacitance	47 kΩ / 120 pF
2	Gain	32 dBA
3	Output voltage	200 mV / 1 kHz at 5 mV / 1 kHz
4	Noise level	88 dBA
5	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.05%
6	RIAA Precision EQ	0.5 dB in the range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
8	Output	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Power supply	16 V / 200 mA
10	Dimensions (W x H x D)	107 x 30 x 61 mm
11	Weight	0.28 kg

• the body of the device is made of metal;
• thanks to him, the sound is more detailed;
• its simplicity and compactness;
• manufacturer's warranty;
• no special knowledge is required when connecting it;
• affordable price;
• great option for budget phono stage;
• high quality sound.

• not.

Pro-Ject Phono Box DC

Price - 8800 rubles.

Manufacturer - Austria

The device belongs to the budget series, but at the same time it has a decent build quality, is able to work with different types of pickup heads, and this quality does not apply to all devices of inexpensive phono stage. The body of the device is made of metal, the shape is square and quite compact. The style of the device is minimal, there is a front aluminum panel, there are no controls on it. In the lower corner of the case, on the left, there is a drawing with the manufacturer's logo and marking. The printed circuit boards of the device are neatly assembled using low-noise integrated circuits. The circuits are made on the principle of dual mono, due to which the sound is distorted to a minimum. This model uses new chips such as JRC 2068D, thanks to which it was possible to improve the technical characteristics of the device. The device has a high-precision level of RIAA correction, so the tonal balance is correct and as accurate as possible. The output stage is ultra-low impedance. The version with the DC index in the name is equipped with a new improved power supply unit.

Among the features of the device, one can single out the musicality of the sound at the output, which is quite rare in devices of a simple and entry level. Sound presentation is even, the level of distortion is minimal. The device is suitable for Hi-Fi lovers whose amplifiers do not have built-in phono stage.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	Supported cartridge types	MM, MC
2	Input impedance (MM cartridge)	47 kΩ / 120 pF
3	Input impedance (MC cartridge)	100 Ohm / 120 pF
4	Gain (MM cartridge)	40 dBA
5	Output voltage (MM cartridge)	300 mV / 1 kHz @ 3 mV / 1 kHz (MM input)
6	Gain (MC cartridge)	60 dBA
7	Output voltage (MC cartridge)	300 mV / 1 kHz at 0.3 mV / 1 kHz (MC input)
8	Maximum output voltage	9.5 V (1 kHz)
9	Signal to noise ratio (MM cartridge)	86 dB (94 dB - "A" weighted)
10	Signal-to-noise ratio (MC cartridge)	68 dB (75 dB - "A" weighted)
11	Harmonic Distortion (MM Cartridge)	0.0001
12	Harmonic distortion (MC cartridge)	0.0005
13	RIAA Curve Accuracy	maximum deviation: 0.5 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
14	External power supply	18V / 200mA DC
15	Power consumption in standby mode	less than 1 W
16	Inputs	RCA (gold plated connectors)
17	Outputs	linear RCA (gold-plated connectors)
18	Dimensions (WxHxD)	103x36x103 mm (109 mm including connectors)
19	Weight	540 g

• price quality;
• the device works with different types of cartridges;
• portable power supply unit;
• the output stage has an ultra-low impedance;
• the body is made of metal;
• compact and convenient size;
• the sound is clear, rich and detailed, the bass sounds good;
• the effect of the device is impressive.

• not found.

Pro-Ject Record Box E

Manufacturer - Austria

Price - 9000 rubles.

The body of the device has a simple and at the same time stylish design, the front panel is not overloaded with control elements, which does not affect the functionality of the device at all, it is wide enough, the device is in demand and is in demand among music lovers and professionals.The device is distinguished by its versatility, it can be used with two types of pickups (MC and MM). The scheme of the apparatus was developed using different ideas of the founder of the Pro-Ject company and his engineer Sikora. In the manufacture of printed circuit boards, small-sized SMD components of surface mounting are used, due to which the signal transmission path is minimized at the maximum level. There is a metal screen inside the phono stage, which provides protection from external factors and interference. The power supply is of an external type. The device has a low level of sound distortion, is able to work with MM heads, as well as connect heads of all well-known manufacturers. On the rear panel of the device there is a switch, input and output connectors (gold-plated). In addition to its basic functions, the device can also be used to digitize records on vinyl records, for their further archiving on a PC hard drive.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	Input impedance	MC: 100 ohms / 120 pF, MM: 47 k ohms / 120 pF
2	Gain (MM / MS)	40 dB / 60 dB
3	Output voltage	300 mV / 1 kHz at 3 mV / 1 kHz (MM) or 0.3 mV / 1 kHz (MS)
4	Noise level (MM / MS)	94 dB / 75 dB
5	Noise level (MM / MS)	94 dB / 75 dB
6	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.01%
7	RIAA Precision EQ	0.5 dB in the range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
8	entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Output	1 pair of RCA connectors, mini-USB for PC connection
10	ADC	Burr Brown PCM2904 16 bit Delta Sigma
11	Sampling frequency	32, 44.1 or 48 kHz
12	Compatible OS	Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8), Mac OS, Linux
13	Power supply	18 V / 500 mA
14	Dimensions (W x H x D)	120 x 32 x 100 mm
15	Weight	0.25 kg (without power supply)

• the quality of the device and its price;
• stylish design;
• there is a built-in ADC;
• the body and built-in protective screen are made of metal;
• when the sound is output, there is no imbalance and distortion;
• external power supply.

• not.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

Manufacturer - Austria

Price - 12,000 rubles.

The device is universal, belongs to the updated series of components, this model is equipped with circuitry, has a stylish and beautiful design. The body of the product is metal; in its manufacture, aluminum and steel are often used. The device is well protected from electrical circuits, external interference and vibrations. The device's power supply is external. The front panel of the device is not oversaturated with controls, except for the power button, which is equipped with an LED indicator.

In this model of the phono stage, the manufacturer has provided the ability to select the value of the input impedance, capacitance and gain. The specified parameters are set on the device in strict compliance with the specifications for it. Thanks to these parameters, the device can be connected to MM and MS cartridges. In addition, the device is equipped with a SubSonic function (cut-off filter), which makes it possible to suppress low frequency interference. On the rear panel of the case there is a pair of RCA terminals (output and input connectors) and a screw grounding terminal.

Experts recommend this model, it takes the place of the leader in terms of the ratio of the cost of the device and its quality.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	A type	phono preamplifier for MM / MC pickups
2	Input impedance	10 ohm, 100 ohm, 1 k ohm, 47 k ohm
3	Input capacity	100, 200, 320, 420 pF
4	Input gain	40, 45, 60, 65dB
5	Signal to noise ratio	85dB
6	Harmonic ratio + noise	less than 0.01% (MM), less than 0.05% (MS)
7	RIAA Accuracy	0.4 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
8	Inputs	RCA
9	Outputs	RCA
10	Additionally	SubSonic filter
11	Dimensions (W x H x D)	103 x 37 x 119 mm
12	Weight	570 g (without power supply)

• the versatility of the device;
• equipped with selected quality components;
• the SubSonic filter can be turned off if necessary;
• the body is made of metal;
• high-quality, bright and rich sound;
• compactness and style of the device;
• supports two types of heads.

• not.

Cambridge audio solo

Price - 15 890 rubles.

The device is suitable for working with vinyls, has a cartridge with a moving magnet.The circuits in the device are well thought out, which allows you to enjoy clear and bright sound. All components are of high quality, the device is equipped with a switching power supply, which is protected by a metal screen, in addition, the phono stage is characterized by almost silent operation. The elements are installed by surface mounting, all elements are mounted on the surface of the board, there are no through holes. Thanks to the design of the device, noise, interference and distortion are minimized.

To eliminate overload and malfunction of the speakers of acoustic systems, the device is equipped with an infrasonic filter, which helps to cope with this problem. On the back of the case there is a balance control that allows you to adjust the volume of the channels.

The device can be put into standby mode, it is convenient if the device is not used for twenty minutes. In this mode, the phono stage consumes 0.5 W of power. The body of the device is laconic, made of metal, it houses an RCA input for vinyl turntables with MM cartridges, a linear RCA output and a balance adjustment knob.

The device fully conveys the melody and sound.

Specifications:

Order number	Specifications	Description
1	A type	phono preamplifier for MM / MC pickups
2	Input impedance	10 ohm, 100 ohm, 1 k ohm, 47 k ohm
3	Input capacity	100, 200, 320, 420 pF
4	Input gain	40, 45, 60, 65dB
5	Signal to noise ratio	85dB
6	Harmonic ratio + noise	less than 0.01% (MM), less than 0.05% (MS)
7	RIAA Accuracy	0.4 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
8	Inputs	RCA
9	Outputs	RCA
10	Additionally	SubSonic filter
11	Dimensions (W x H x D)	103 x 37 x 119 mm
12	Weight	570 g (without power supply)

• suitable for MM - cartridges;
• pulse power supply, equipped with a screen;
• the body is made of metal and there is an aluminum panel;
• neat appearance;
• stylish design;
• build quality and selection of elements;
• surface mounting;
• balance regulator built-in;
• energy consumption is minimal.
• high-quality, spacious and transparent sound;
• lack of mechanical hum.

• not.

Rega Fono MM

Price - 21 400 rubles.

The model is available in several trim levels. Suitable for MM and MC pickups. The body of the device is metal, cast plan, thanks to which the electronic circuits are protected from external interference.

The phono stage also works with Rega turntables. The difference of the device is in its extended frequency response, the level of its own noise is reduced. The size of the device is small, the design is simple and inconspicuous, it is possible to install it near a turntable, or in any rack with hi-fi equipment.

The device can be used both with simple models of turntables and with expensive, newfangled models of amplifiers and players. The sound quality will pleasantly surprise you, and the cost of a high-quality device is modest.

Specifications:

Description	Supported cartridge types
1	Sensitivity	3.35 mV (at rated output voltage)
2	Input impedance	47 k Ohm
3	Input capacitive load	100 pF
4	Rated output voltage	300 mV
5	Gain	39 dB (1 kHz)
6	RIAA Curve Accuracy	± 0.65 dB (30 Hz - 20 kHz)
7	Signal to noise ratio	more than 90 dB
8	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.0025% (1 kHz, 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
9	Crosstalk	more than 85 dB (10 kHz)
10	Subsonic filter	- 3 dB (15 Hz, 12 dB / oct.)
11	Inputs	RCA for MM cartridges
12	Outputs	linear RCA
13	Power Supply	built-in, pulse, shielded
14	Other switching	ground terminal
15	Built-in balance control	there is
16	Power consumption	10W, standby: less than 0.5W
17	Dimensions (WxHxD)	176x48x132 mm
18	Weight	0.68 kg

• cast body made of metal;
• external power supply;
• high quality and harmonious sound;
• the basses do not "suck";
• the power supply unit has increased power.

• a little expensive.

Thorens MM 008 ADC

Price - 26,000 rubles.

The device is equipped with an additional function, thanks to which it is possible to digitize analog recordings, which is important for ordinary music lovers and true music lovers.The body of the device is made of metal, the walls are thick, which provides reliable protection against various types of mechanical damage and vibrations.

The device is distinguished by high-quality assembly, but at the same time it is easy to connect and operate. The compactness of the phono stage allows you to install it near the turntable without using additional connecting cables. The device operates from a DC power source - external type.

The device works with both MM and MC pickups. It is possible to select the required mode by pressing the button located on the rear panel of the device, separate type jacks. The circuit is made on a high quality PCB, which reduces the length of the signal transmission circuits. The device is equipped with virtually silent amplifiers and uses passive RIAA correction components. The phono stage can be connected to a computer, for which it is necessary to use the USB 2.0 interface.

Specifications:

Description	Phono stage type	MM
1	Input sensitivity	3 mV
2	Input impedance	47 k Ohm
3	Output voltage	200 mV
4	Output Impedance	36 kΩ
5	frequency range	17 Hz - 100 kHz
6	Weight	1,8 kg

• stylish appearance;
• high quality sound;
• well-selected elements during assembly;
• minimal sound distortion;
• suitable for MM / MC pickups;
• the device has an output for digitizing;
• the body is made of metal;
• low noise components;
• clear and deep sounding bass and low frequencies.

• high price.

Clearaudio Phonostage Nano Phono

Price - RUB 31,900

The device is suitable for operation with MM and MC pickups. The body is made of metal, the device is reliably protected from supersensitive electronic circuits from various external influences. The block is equipped with a support made of self-adhesive rubber hemispheres. The power button is located at the top of the case. Thanks to the device, from the first minutes of listening, it is possible to enjoy a clear and bright sound. On the back of the case there are connectors and a power supply socket. There is also a headphone amplifier.

Specifications:

Description	Input impedance	MM: 47 kΩ / 220 pF, MC: 47 ohms / 1 nF (switchable)
1	Gain	MM: 40dB, MC: 60dB
2	Input sensitivity	MM: 3.14 mV, 0.325 mV (10dB out)
3	Output voltage	482 mV / 1 kHz at 5 mV / 1 kHz
4	Signal to noise ratio	MM: 86 dB, MS: 72 dB
5	Harmonic coefficient	MM: less than 0.013%, MS: 0.055%
6	RIAA Precision EQ	+ 0.3 / -0.3 dB in the range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	entrance	MC (RCA), MM (RCA)
8	Output	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Correction	1 pair of RCA connectors
10	USB	2.0
11	ADC	Tenor TE7022L, up to 24 bit / 96 kHz
12	Power supply	24 V / 630 mA
13	Power consumption	less than 1 watt in standby mode
14	Dimensions (W x H x D)	150 x 50 x 117 mm
15	Weight	0.5 kg without power supply

• build quality;
• the ability to support MC and MM cartridges;
• the ability to turn off the subsonic filter;
• there is a signal gain control;
• the device is equipped with resistors.
• sound quality, bright and colorful;
• the ability to use the device in tandem with other amplifiers.

• high price.

And in conclusion

Do not deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying high-quality music, let the choice of musical equipment and add-ons to it be correct and easy, and let the music sounding from vinyl be incredibly beautiful and alluring!