Tubes also take some time to warm up before you can start playing your records and feeling their full effect. Getting the best sound out of a tube preamp really depends on the type of speakers used too, while they also require more upkeep and maintenance, as the tubes sometimes need to be replaced. These create a rounder, fuller, warmer sound, but are typically way more expensive when it’s a real authentic one. Tubes: Some preamps work with bulb-looking lamps known as tubes. A USB output port can also be helpful if you’re looking to transfer your record’s tracks to your computer, or isolate the signal chain from interference. Besides durability, a metal frame can cut down on unwanted vibrations during play, and gold-plated jacks can prevent corrosion over time. Materials: A good phono preamp is an investment, so make sure it’s built to last. A lower-end preamp will still get the job done, but have way less headroom, ultimately affecting the overall sound. With this, you’re less likely to get unwanted effects like distortion. It’s an indicator of how much signal a system can handle before it exceeds the levels it was meant for.Ī higher-end preamp will most often have more headroom than lower-priced models, with a max output measure in the upper ranges of dBu (unloaded decibels). Headroom: Imagine headroom as kind of a buffer zone of dynamic space to allow for any unexpected and overly loud noises, like popping or clipping. It is often used in tandem with volume, but it’s not quite the same: gain measures the amplification of the input, while volume is the output. It can also be known as drive, since it’s literally measuring how hard you’re driving the signal. A gain control lets you set the strength of this signal, and it’s the first stage that the sound travels through. Gain: Gain is a measurement of the power or amplitude of a signal from the input to the output port. There’s a chance your turntable already has a preamp built-in, so be sure to check before purchasing one, though a separate unit specifically built for conversion is most likely going to be of a higher quality than the factory-installed one on lower-end players.īut just like with turntables, all preamps aren’t created equal, and there are a wide range out there to choose from. Even if you’re a casual listener, a preamp can make a world of difference, and present a whole new appreciation for your old favorite albums. If you’ve already got a vinyl collection that you want to get the most out of, or are looking to start collecting, a preamp is an invaluable addition to your entire audio setup. It takes the phono output signal from your turntable that’s generated by the stylus, and turns it into a line-level signal, amplifying and re-equalizing it to play out of your main speakers, just like any other audio source. What Is a Turntable Preamp?Ī turntable or phono pre-amplifier (sometimes called a phono stage) is a small device that lets you connect your record player to a sound system, receiver, or even a digital audio workstation (DAW). And while many record players come with a built-in preamp, it might be worth swapping it out for something a little more customized to your sound. But not all preamps deliver the same results. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.Ī lot of things go into making your turntable and record player sound its best, and a good turntable pre-amplifier (a.k.a.
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