Although there are many different ways to listen to your favorite songs, many people still hold on to vinyl records for their warm, full sound and the tactile feeling they get from holding a well-produced complete package in their hands. Whether you’re just starting to build your vinyl collection or you’re a seasoned record hunter, you should probably consider a turntable preamp.
While most of your money will go into buying large quantities of vinyl (or finding the best turntable to fit your budget), there are ways you can still get affordable phono preamps that are also high quality.
(Note: We’ll be using a lot of vinyl terminology in this article. If you’re still new to this technology, scroll to the bottom for a glossary of terms commonly used in the world of vinyl.)
What is a phono preamplifier?
While excellent amplifiers and receivers with built-in phono inputs are making a comeback with the resurgence of vinyl, many modern devices have reduced the phono input to keep costs down. A turntable preamplifier is an outboard device that steps into that void, amplifying the output of the turntable so that modern electronics can play it at the appropriate volume level, adding equalization standardized by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for improved musical fidelity.
There are actually two main reasons for getting a stand-alone phono preamp: either your turntable or amp doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp, or you’ve decided to upgrade your setup with better sound than what your built-in options allow.
You can easily spend a lot of money on a high-end solution, but luckily there are many models that provide great sound at a very reasonable price. That’s where our list comes in. Here are our favorite affordable phono preamps, ranging in price from budget solutions to long-term investments.
Under $50
Rolls VP29 ($50)
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Those looking for a simple plug-and-play phono preamp will love the Rolls VP29, which has no knobs or buttons and is designed to do one job and one job only—amplify the sound of your favorite vinyl to standard playback levels with RIAA equalization. Made in the USA in a fire truck red box, the VP29 also features a 3.5mm jack, making it perfect for connecting to powered speakers or soundbars so you can skip the amp altogether.
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Under $100
Art Pro Audio DJPRE II ($65)
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ART Pro Audio has made a name for itself as a supplier of solid studio equipment for some time. The company’s affordable and intuitive VLA II compressor is a workhorse in many home studios. The ART Pro brings its considerable sonic capabilities to the DJPRE II, a small, rounded box that offers many features missing from more expensive models. Along with standard RIAA equalization, the DJPRE II lets you choose between low-cut and flat frequency response, as well as offering a gain control to enable optimal performance with your specific setups, or input the correct input device to preserve your vinyl in digital form.
It’s also compatible with turntables that require specific levels of input capacity, meaning even high-end buyers can consider the DJPRE II, while its low price makes it a feature-packed solution for every budget.
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Music Hall Mini ($80)
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If you’re looking at a longer-term upgrade, you might want to look at acclaimed preamp manufacturer Music Hall. The company’s tiny, American-made Mini uses a moving-magnet preamplifier to boost the volume of the RIAA-equalized signal, providing a clean sound boost that your amp can capture. Like the Rolls VP29, the Music Hall has a 3.5mm output with an RCA connection, making it one of the best phono preamps at its price for those with a good pair of powered studio monitors.
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U-Turn Audio Pluto 2 ($99)
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The original U-Turn Pluto external phono preamp has been a mainstay in the Digital Trends test room for some time, beloved for its simple and elegant design as well as the excellent sound it delivers. Now the Woburn, Massachusetts-based turntable company has delivered the next-generation Pluto 2 preamp, with a few key upgrades and, thankfully, all at the same affordable $99 price. For starters, the Pluto 2 has added a second gain stage, which boosts the overall gain from 36dB to 41dB, making more of a burden on your receiver and helping to reduce distortion. In addition, the improved subsonic filter also prevents unwanted noise from reaching your speakers. It has retained its handsome brushed aluminum body, while still providing the clean, plug-and-play features that users have come to love. Pluto 2 still adheres to the traditional RIAA equalization standard and adds high-quality internal components to amplify your signal chain via a simple RCA connection.
If you have an entry-level turntable and a quality amp, or want to upgrade your turntable preamp from the one built into the deck, this is an excellent choice.
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Pro-Ject Audio Phono Box ($99)
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Although the sound coming through the Pro-Ject Phono Box is virtually indistinguishable from the U-Turn Pluto, the Phono Box has an extra trick up its sleeve for more high-end vinyl enthusiasts. There’s a button on the back that lets you choose between optimization for moving magnet and moving coil turntables. If you already own a high-quality turntable (such as Pro-Ject’s Debut Carbon) and are considering a long-term upgrade to more expensive moving-coil cartridges, this is a great option.
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More than $100
Cambridge Audio Alva Duo ($300)
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If your vinyl collecting tastes lean more towards the vintage variety, then the Cambridge Alva Duo Phono Preamp might be worth the extra scratch. Speaking of scratches (what a sequel!), the Dua’s subsonic filter makes this preamp desirable for those with boards that have seen better days — it helps reduce low-frequency noise that can be generated by speckles. Furthermore, if there are any imbalances in the cartridge of your turntable (say you also like vintage turntables), there is a balance control wheel on the back that can help compensate. The Alva Duo is also a moving coil and moving magnet preamp, which for turntable snobs means it’s compatible with both MC and MM cartridges so you don’t have to buy separate turntable stages if you happen to own both types. Finally, headphone-savvy listeners will appreciate the Duo’s 6.34mm jack, which provides direct input and dedicated volume control, so you don’t have to listen through an amplifier or receiver.
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Graham Slee Communicator ($250)
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Okay, so if you want to go big (but not Manhattan trust fund big), the Graham Slee Communicator is the phono preamp for you. Designed exclusively for moving magnet cartridges (sorry for the moving coil fans), this hand-built, aluminum-cased UK turntable preamp has no patience for flashy exteriors, instead putting every bit of your money into top-notch internals.
Custom built, the communicator delivers sound with beautiful detail via gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs on the back. It’s a great choice for those who already have a top-of-the-line turntable, amplifier and speakers, and want a great-sounding turntable that they’ll enjoy for years to come. For the money, this is the audiophile preamp of choice.
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Graham Slee
Dictionary of terms
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most commonly used technical terms in the vinyl field:
RIAA tie
The Recording Industry Association of America established this equalization (EQ) standard in 1954 for vinyl record reproduction for two reasons: to standardize the sound quality of all vinyl records, and to allow longer recording times by ensuring that the actual grooves on each record are matched to a smaller size. This standard setting is still the one that the vast majority of phono preamps adhere to, ensuring that the audio signal from each board is as consistent as possible, regardless of the system you’re using.
Pencil
Also called the needle, the turntable needle refers to the narrow part of the arm that contacts the grooves of the record. A pen is always connected to the cartridge, which converts physical inputs into electrical outputs. The needles are usually set with a small diamond or other high quality gemstone. Keeping your pen clean and static-free is extremely important if you want quality reproduction, and experts suggest using a recording brush with each use.
insert
Cartridges are small electromechanical parts that send an analog signal from the grooves of the vinyl record to your larger audio system. They have special transducers that convert the physical differences in the slots into an electrical audio signal via magnets and copper coils.
Cartridge with moving magnet
As you may have guessed, moving magnet cartridges use moving magnets to generate an electrical signal from the stylus’ analog inputs. Moving magnet cartridges produce a smoother and lighter sound than moving coil cartridges. They are also cheaper and easier to use, as they are available in a standard size that is compatible with most turntables. However, there are different types of magnetic cartridges for use with different quality turntables.
Cartridge with moving coil
Moving coil cartridges work differently than moving magnet cartridges. The needle manipulates the coils around the magnet to create an electrical signal, rather than moving the magnet itself. Many people think this system produces improved tonality and reduced distortion; however, it requires a complex setup and a special phono preamplifier. Perhaps this is why moving coil cartridges cost significantly more than moving magnet cartridges.
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Categories: GAMING
Source: newstars.edu.vn