Rating of the best phono stages for 2022

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

Everything forgotten sooner or later returns, albeit in a slightly different form, but still. Now vinyl records are back in fashion. 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 the 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 the 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 volume control turned on to the maximum.

Some models of inexpensive players have a built-in phono stage, however, they differ in sound quality from stationary counterparts. In some models of devices there are phono preamps of an independent plan, which, if desired, can be replaced with more powerful and high-quality ones.

History of vinyl

Perhaps, for almost every person, the record evokes good associations, memories of those past times, evoke positive emotions and slightly worn cardboard envelopes for storing them, with photographs of the once popular pop stars. It is a mistake to think that vinyl has sunk into the past, today's youth, music lovers love to listen to updated versions of vinyl, it is worth noting that manufacturers of musical equipment of a non-budget option 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 connected with the development of technical progress, devices 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 record producer at that time, Colombia, who managed to create “long records”, the material for them became the material for their creation. vinylat.It was thanks to this material and a special technology to reduce the playback speed that "vinyls" appeared on which it was possible to record entire albums.

There are few vinyl producers today, but they still exist. This is the German Optimal plant, where specialists are slowly but surely reviving the production of vinyl records, and they are doing it very well.

I would like to note 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 the latest music releases on vinyl, and it is simply impossible to compare the tactile effect of vinyl with something else.

So, if you belong to music lovers and lovers of quality music, let's discuss in more detail such devices as phono stages, talk about their main functions, pluses and possible minuses.

More about the best phono stages

Pro-Ject Phono Box E

Manufacturer - Austria

Price - 6000 rubles.

Refers to devices 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 at the back. The device will become an assistant for a vinyl record player. This device is non-OEM, built on the basis of a circuit designed by the founder of Pro-Ject, with a simple appearance. The phono stage circuit is made on a printed circuit board, the length of the conductors is reduced, SMD components are used. Thanks to this scheme, the level of noise and inaccuracies is minimal, and provides 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 close to a turntable or amplifier, while maintaining the length of the connecting wires. The body color of this phono stage model 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 have a low cost.

Specifications:

Item number	Characteristics	Description
1	Input impedance	47 kOhm / 120 pF
2	Gain	40 dB
3	Output voltage	500 mV/1 kHz at 5 mV/1 kHz
4	Noise level	88 dB
5	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.04%
6	RIAA Equalization Accuracy	+0.5/ -0.2 dB in the range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	Entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
8	Exit	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Source of power	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	The weight	0.25 kg without power supply

• affordable price;
• sound quality;
• the components of the device are almost 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 detected.

Pro-Ject Phono Box MM

Manufacturer - Austria

Price -7000 rub.

The case of this phono stage model is made of metal, which provides protection against external electrical interference. The device is simple in design, high quality components are used in its manufacture.The circuitry of the device is built on the principle of dual mono, which provides a decent stereo image even with a minimum level of crosstalk. This model uses low-noise chips, thanks to which the sound is amplified and distorted minimally. Its circuit board is designed to keep circuit lengths as short as possible while also transmitting audio as much as possible. High-precision passive components are used in the RIAA-correction circuit, 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. Connectors (input and output) are located on the rear panel of the metal case. The manufacturer thought out the distance of such connectors, which does not cause inconvenience when connecting connecting cables.

The device has a screw ground contact for connecting the corresponding output of the interconnector. The device is compact in size, which allows it to be placed close to other devices. The phono stage is distinguished by the quality of the transformed and emitted 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 that 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 stages and other amplifiers and receivers.

Specifications:

Item number	Characteristics	Description
1	Input impedance/load capacitance	47 kOhm / 120 pF
2	Gain	32 dB
3	Output voltage	200 mV/1 kHz at 5 mV/1 kHz
4	Noise level	88 dB
5	Harmonic coefficient	less than 0.05%
6	RIAA Equalization Accuracy	0.5 dB in the range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	Entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
8	Exit	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Source of power	16V / 200mA
10	Dimensions (W x H x D)	107 x 30 x 61mm
11	The weight	0.28 kg

• the case 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;
• democratic price;
• a great option for budget phono stages;
• quality sound.

• no.

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, it is able to work with different types of pickup heads, and this quality does not apply to all devices of inexpensive phono stages. 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 an aluminum front panel, there are no controls on it. In the lower corner of the case on the left there is a picture with the logo of the manufacturer and marking. The printed circuit boards of the device are neatly mounted, low-noise integrated circuits are used. The circuits are made on the principle of dual mono, so that the sound is minimally distorted. 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, due to which the tonal balance is correct and as accurate as possible. The output stage has an ultra-low impedance. The version with the DC index in the name is equipped with a new and improved power supply.

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

Specifications:

Item number	Characteristics	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 dB
5	Output voltage (MM cartridge)	300mV/1kHz at 3mV/1kHz (MM input)
6	Gain (MC cartridge)	60 dB
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	The weight	540 g

• price quality;
• the device works with different types of cartridges;
• remote type power supply;
• 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 detected.

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 controls, which does not affect the functionality of the device at all, it is quite wide, the device is in demand and 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 Pro-Ject and his engineer Sikora. In the manufacture of printed circuit boards, small-sized SMD surface-mounted components are used, due to which the pancake of the signal transmission path is reduced to the maximum level. Inside the phono stage there is a metal screen that provides protection from external factors and interference. Power supply - 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 housing there is a switch, input and output connectors (gold-plated). In addition to its main functions, the device can also be used to digitize records on vinyl records, for their further archiving on a PC hard drive.

Specifications:

Item number	Characteristics	Description
1	Input impedance	MC: 100Ω/120pF, MM: 47kΩ/120pF
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 Equalization Accuracy	0.5 dB in the range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz
8	Entrance	1 pair of RCA connectors
9	Exit	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), MacOS, Linux
13	Source of power	18 V / 500 mA
14	Dimensions (W x H x D)	120 x 32 x 100 mm
15	The weight	0.25 kg (without power supply)

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

• no.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S2

Manufacturer - Austria

Price - 12000 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 more often used. The device is well protected from electrical circuits, interference from outside and vibrations. The power supply unit of the device is an external type. 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. These parameters are set on the device in strict compliance with the specification for it. Thanks to these parameters, the device can be connected to MM and MC cartridges. In addition, the device is equipped with a SubSonic function (switchable 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 connector) and a screw ground 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:

Item number	Characteristics	Description
1	Type of	phono preamplifier for MM/MC cartridges
2	Input impedance	10 Ohm, 100 Ohm, 1 kOhm, 47 kOhm
3	input capacitance	100, 200, 320, 420pF
4	Input Gain	40, 45, 60, 65dB
5	Signal to noise ratio	85dB
6	Harmonic distortion + 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	The weight	570 g (without power supply)

• 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.

• no.

Cambridge Audio Solo

Price - 15 890 rubles.

The device is suitable for working with vinyls, has pickup heads 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. Due 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 a subsonic 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 may be switched to standby mode, it is convenient if the device has not been used for twenty minutes. In this mode, the phono stage consumes 0.5 watts of power. The body of the device is concise, made of metal, it has an RCA input for turntables with MM cartridges, a linear RCA output and a balance adjustment knob.

The device fully conveys the melody and sound.

Specifications:

Item number	Characteristics	Description
1	Type of	phono preamplifier for MM/MC cartridges
2	Input impedance	10 Ohm, 100 Ohm, 1 kOhm, 47 kOhm
3	input capacitance	100, 200, 320, 420pF
4	Input Gain	40, 45, 60, 65dB
5	Signal to noise ratio	85dB
6	Harmonic distortion + 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	The weight	570 g (without power supply)

• suitable for MM - cartridges;
• switching power supply, equipped with a screen;
• the case is made of metal, and there is an aluminum panel;
• neat appearance;
• stylish design;
• build quality and selection of elements;
• surface mounting;
• built-in balance controller;
• power consumption is minimal.
• high-quality, voluminous and transparent sound;
• no mechanical noise.

• no.

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 pickups.

The phono stage can also work with Rega turntables.The difference of the device in its extended frequency response, the level of intrinsic noise is reduced. The size of the device is small, the design is simple and unobtrusive, it can be installed near a turntable, or in any rack with Hi-Fi equipment.

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

Specifications:

Description	Supported cartridge types
1	Sensitivity	3.35 mV (at rated output voltage)
2	Input impedance	47 kOhm
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, impulse, 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)	176x48x132mm
18	The weight	0.68 kg

• body cast, made of metal;
• external type power supply;
• high-quality and harmonious sound;
• basses do not "goon";
• The power supply 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 vibration.

The device has a high-quality assembly, but it is easy to connect and operate. The compactness of the phono stage allows it to be installed near a turntable without the use of additional connecting cables. The device operates from a direct current source - an external type.

The device works with both MM and MC pickups. It is possible to select the desired mode by pressing the button, which is located on the rear panel of the device, a separate type socket. The circuit is made on a high quality printed circuit board, due to which the length of the signal transmission chains is reduced. The device is equipped with almost noiseless amplifiers, and passive RIAA-correction components are used. The phono stage can be connected to a computer using the USB 2.0 interface.

Specifications:

Description	Phono stage type	MM
1	Input sensitivity	3 mV
2	Input impedance	47 kOhm
3	Output voltage	200 mV
4	output impedance	36 kOhm
5	frequency range	17 Hz - 100 kHz
6	The weight	1.8 kg

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

• high price.

Clearaudio Phonostage Nano Phono

Price - 31900 rubles.

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

Specifications:

Description	Input impedance	MM: 47 kOhm / 220 pF, MC: 47 Ohm / 1 nF (switchable)
1	Gain	MM: 40 dB, MC: 60 dB
2	Input sensitivity	MM: 3.14mV, 0.325mV (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 Equalization Accuracy	+0.3/ -0.3 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz
7	Entrance	MC (RCA), MM (RCA)
8	Exit	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	Source of power	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	The weight	0.5 kg without power supply

• build quality;
• the ability to support MS and MM cartridges;
• the ability to disable 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 additions to it be correct and easy, and the music sounding from vinyl be incredibly beautiful and alluring!