Phono stage / phono preamp
TL;DR
A phono stage (or phono preamp) is a specialized preamp that boosts the very low-level signal from a turntable's cartridge (~5 mV) up to line level (~2 V) AND applies RIAA equalization to correct for the vinyl mastering curve. Essential for any turntable.
A phono stage (also called phono preamplifier, or “phono pre”) is a specialized preamp for turntables. Does two critical things:
- Amplify very low-level cartridge signal – MM cartridges output ~5 mV; MC cartridges output ~0.5 mV. Regular line-level inputs expect 2 V. Difference is 40-70 dB of gain.
- Apply RIAA equalization – vinyl is mastered with a bass cut / treble boost curve to fit more music on the disc. Phono stage inverts this curve during playback.
MM vs MC
- MM (Moving Magnet) – higher output, most consumer cartridges, cheaper phono stages
- MC (Moving Coil) – lower output, audiophile cartridges, needs MC-capable phono stage or step-up transformer
Built-in vs external
Many turntables and receivers have built-in phono stages. External phono preamps ($50-$5000) generally sound better.
Note: budget hi-fi amps
The AIYIMA A80 does NOT have a built-in phono stage – vinyl users need an external one plugged into RCA input.
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