A phono stage is an absolute necessity when playing vinyl on a turntable. To put it into basic terms, the output level from a turntable is considerably lower than a ‘line level’ unit such as a CD player. A phono stage – also known as a pre-amp – brings up the output level so it can be played by modern systems. When vinyl was the default format many decades ago, a high-quality amplifier was built-in to turntables as standard. But as the popularity of the format waned, so did the quality of the amplifier. And soon, when the turntable became more of a niche product for enthusiasts the vast majority contained no amplification at all.
It is still possible to purchase brand new turntables with the phono stages built-in, but these tend to be much cheaper models, with sub-standard amplifiers. In order to get the true real hi-fi sound from your turntable you need a separate, dedicated phono stage to sit between the amplifier and the turntable improves the sound quality exponentially before it is amplified.
When it comes to phono stages, the range of options (not to mention prices) is huge. So, to help narrow down the selection process, here are ten of our absolute favouries. From the budget to the brazen, and everything in between, all offering excellent pre-amplification for your beloved vinyl collection.
Remember, all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Pro-Ject Phono Box E – £39
Designed for use with an MM phono cartirdge (it’s very important to match your phono stage with the cartridge as they all have different output levels – therefore finding an amp/cartridge with complimentary output levels is essential to getting the sound right. The Bono Box E is compact, cute and excellent value for money, offering a much higher level of sound quality than what the price tag suggests! There is also a USB version, which allows for recording onto a computer.
Why do we like it?
It’s cheap in price – but nothing much else! Frankly, the price continues to baffle us. The sound quality far surpasses it.
Why do they like it?
‘A perfectly respectable phono stage at the price, the addition of a capable ADC with simple USB connectivity makes this a real bargain; good sounding, easy to use and smart too! Just remember to stick with moving magnet cartridges’ (TechRadar)
2. Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator Phono Stage -£175
Still within the realms of the ‘budget’ phono stage is the Gram Amp 2. Designed for use with MM cartridges. Communicator by name and communicator by nature, this little box is exceptionally quiet – much more so than any other models within its price range, and boasts a level of detail that will continue to surprise again and again. Also worth a mention is the special edition version which features several upgrades on its predecessor, including an improved internal power unit and superior voltage regulation.
Why do we like it?
No frills, minimal features – all this little box wants to do is make the sound as big and as detailed as possible.
Why do they like it?
The box may be basic but the sound is anything but – highly recommended.’ (What Hi-Fi? Magazine)
3. Trichord Dino Mk3 Phono Stage – £499
The latest version of the multiple award-winner Dino Mk 2. Encased in aluminium, the Mk3 boasts a sound reduced by 4.5dB – which means it is much quieter than its older brothers. Compatible with both MM and MC phono cartridges, the Mk3 boasts a rare versatility. Top that with a dynamic and detailed sound with much less distortion – and you have a phono stage that is well worth a slightly higher spend. The Dino MkIII can be improved even more with the addition of the Trichord Dino + PSU Upgrade.
Why do we like it?
It’s an excellent little phono stage with a lot of power and a great appreciation of the delicate nuances that vinyl so effectively communicates.
Why do they like it?
I recommend the Dino Mk3 anyone who has an amplifier with a substandard phono stage, to those who are thinking of getting into vinyl playback, to those who are high return on listener enjoyment without a heavy price tag, and/or to those who want to add a little pep to their analogue system. (Hi-Fi Corner)
4. Icon Audio PS2 MM Valve Phono Stage – £599.95
Why do they like it?
‘The excellent treble detail resolution of the PS2, together with its vigorous bass and musicality make it a remarkable offering that managed to surprise Hi-Fi World with its blend of smoothness and personality. It does lack some deep bass extension, but at the same time, this helps it produce a more natural sound, with good body and consistency.’ (Hi-Fi Choice)
5. Pro-Ject Phono Box RS – £649
Pro-Ject know turntables. They make nothing but turntables – and turntable related products – and they do it well enough to consistently scoop awards and accolades every time a new line is released. Following their incredibly successful budget ‘Box’ series, they released the Reference Series, which this phono stage is a part of. It’s the most advanced phono stage Pro-Ject have made, and their experience with turntables – and the sound of vinyl – is very much apparent. Low noise, big sound, balance and energy and suitable for both MM and MC cartridges.It’s versatile, it’s dynamic and it hits all the right notes in all the right places. This is a very impressive phono stage which really understands vinyl – much like its creators.
6. Trichord Diablo Phono Stage – £879
Pictured here with the Trichord Dino Never Connected PSU Upgrade (optional +£345), the Diablo is arguably the most powerful and flexible phono stage available for under £1000. Low impedance means it is exceptionally quiet, and the use of high-grade components throughout, it will maximise the performance of a wide range of phono cartridges, from low output MCs to high output MMs.
Why do we like it?
It’ a high end phono stage for a mid range price. If you include the upgrade, it’s a whisper-quiet force to be reckoned with.
7. Musical Surroundings Nova II Phonomena – £880
This step up from the original Nova Phonomena bears all of the hallmarks of its acclaimed predecessor along side the discreet mono dual circuit of the Super Nova. It’s a flexible, battery powered phono stage, built in California, which oozes grace, power and style. It’s suitable for both MC and MM cartridges and features RIAA equalization which amplifies the output signal of a phono cartridge up to the perfect level, ready for either an integrated amplifier or a receiver.
Why do we like it?
The battery option is particularly clever. Two rechargeable internal NiMH dual mono battery packs with a Smart Sensing auto recharge feature. All AC and charging circuits automatically disconnect when listening in battery mode. Very smart and very useful.
8. Icon Audio PS1 MkII Valve MM + MC Phono Stage – £1199.95
And so we step into valve territory. Icon Audio live up to their titles as icons within the realms of amplification. It’s incredibly simple, with the focus entirely on producing the richest and most detailed sound possible. Valves are well known for producing an incredibly deep and lush sound, perfect for use with a turntable. Revealing elements that you may have never noticed before. And the use of valves considerably reduces noise too.
Why do we like it?
A valve phono stage like this one is a choice for those who are exceptionally dedicated to reaching the finest possible sound quality – something which Icon have mastered. It is compatiable with both types of phono cartridge too, and still relatively affordable (for a valve amplifier.)
9. Icon Audio PS3 MkII MM + MC Phono Stage – £2099.95
Reference standard audio, with an overload of valves and no expense spared in perfecting everything – from the build to the sound. The PS3 MkII is one of the finest phono stages on the market – and a real boundary pusher. It uses two valves for (power and amplification) in conjunction (producing a ‘Cascode Effect’) which has resulted in an exceptional amplifier which mixes low noise with a very high gain in terms of both volume, depth and detail.
Why do we like it?
It’s a reference level valve amplifier and it sounds divine. A match made in vinyl heaven and well worth the investment.
Why do they like it?
Exceptional valve phono stage of fantastic quality…wide tonal palette…great dynamics…MM and MC…the PS3 is toweringly capable in a way few other phono stages can manage.’ (Hi-Fi World Magazine November 2008)
10. Tom Evans Mastergroove – £10.000
Yes – that price is correct. But there’s a reason why it’s so steep. This is – without a shadow of a doubt – one of the finest that money can buy. There’s reference quality… and then there’s the Mastergroove. It looks sleek and elegant, and it opens the sound of your favourite records up so much – it will be as though you’ve never heard them before. There’s no colouration and no distortion added by the unit itself, which means you are left with the most natural possible sound, with whole layers of detail freshly unearthed.
Why do we like it?
We’ve compared the Mastergroove to our other high end phono stages, and it always sounds like it’s playing a completely different record – in the best possible way. If you can swallow the price tag (available 0% finance for 36 months if you’d prefer to spread it out), this may well be the most world-changing hi-fi purchase you ever make. To hear it is to believe it – it’s incredible.
Do you believe us now when we said that the range is vast? We try not to put together too many Top 10 lists (we much prefer Top 5) but there was just far too much to talk about in terms of phono stages. Starting from a relatively meagre £39 and finishing at a eye-watering £10,000 (although, once you hear that one, your tears will be pure joy – ours’ sure were!) it’s possible for anyone to treat their vinyl collection with the respect it fully commands. A phono stage is essential for the playback most of the time, and a high quality one simply makes sense. After all, why invest so much time, effort, love and money into your turntable only to rely on a sub-standard unit (or an in-built one) which won’t release its full potential? Whether you want to spend £39 or £10,000 – there is a way.