Best phono preamp for your record player this summer

The phono preamp is a crucial component of any vinyl setup, significantly impacting the analog sound quality. It is advisable to opt for a standalone device rather than relying on built-in options in turntables or integrated amplifiers. Thankfully, there is a wide array of new products available in the market, all of which have been thoroughly reviewed in our latest expert evaluation. Below, you will find a compilation of the top phono preamps for the mid-2024 season.

8. iFi Audio Zen Air PHONO

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 86 dB | Weight – 0.3 kg
• Pros: flexible design, transparent sound
• Cons – somewhat limited bass
• Verdict – an entry ticket to the world of vinyl

The renowned manufacturer of digital-to-analog converters recently launched the compact iFi Audio Zen Air PHONO. In response to the resurgence of vinyl, the company introduced this intriguing device. Encased in a distinctive housing, the device is compatible with both MM (from 2 mV, 40 dB gain) and MC (less than 2 mV, 64 dB gain) cartridges, utilizing its own operational amplifier cascade OV to ensure minimal distortion of just 0.0001%! Additionally, it features a Subsonic AI phono filter that outperforms traditional “cutoffs” and boasts a high-quality element base from Panasonic and TDK. With such impressive specifications, it’s no surprise that the iFi Audio Zen Air PHONO delivers exceptional and transparent sound quality.

7. Music Hall MH PA 15.3

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 92/87 dB | Weight – 0.55 kg
• Pros – flexible sound
• Cons – lack of texture in the low frequencies
• Verdict: Excellent value for money

The Music Hall MH PA 15.3 phono preamplifier features adjustable gain ranging from -40 to 63 dB, catering to both MM and MC cartridges. With an external power supply and precision component base, the separated design ensures minimal interference and upgrade potential. The Music Hall MH PA 15.3 delivers a remarkably agile and flexible sound, providing an enjoyable listening experience.

6. Fezz Audio Gratia EVO

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 92 dB | Weight – 4.2 kg
• Pros – rich, velvety sound
• Cons – some limitations on HF
• Verdict – Fezz Audio Continues Its Victorious March

The Fezz Audio Gratia EVO offers 50 dB of gain for moving magnet (MM) cartridges and 60 dB for moving coil (MC) cartridges. Its internal components are exceptional, featuring Burson Supreme Sound Opamp V5i operational amplifiers and a robust Toroidy Supreme Audio transformer. The exterior is equally impressive, with a selection of body colors available. In terms of audio performance, this phono preamplifier elevates the listening experience to a new level, delivering a rich, velvety sound characteristic of pure analog that is truly captivating.

5. Acoustic Solid Phono

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 10 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 99 – 76 dB | Weight – 1 kg
• Pros – excellent dynamics
• Cons – localization is not always ideal
• Verdic:  small but mighty

Although the Acoustic Solid Phono is compact in size, it offers remarkable surprises for the listener. Its performance in dynamic range, instrument texture, and timbres is exceptional. The phono preamplifier provides gain levels of 32 and 64 dB (with a 4 dB adjustment) for both MM and MC cartridges, along with an impressive frequency response that extends from 10 Hz with a minimal deviation of 0.2 dB. Additionally, it boasts an extremely low distortion rate of just 0.005%, making it an excellent choice overall.

4. Naim NVC TT New Classic

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 84 dB | Weight – 3.4 kg
• Pros: luxurious sound, excellent micro- and macrodynamics
• Cons – none
• Verdict: Absolutely brilliant device

Within its price range, the Naim NVC TT New Classic appears to stand alone, boasting remarkable dynamic qualities, sound richness, and an exceptional three-dimensional soundstage that seem to belong to a higher price tier. With a gain of 42/67 dB for MM/MC cartridges, an NPX TT power supply, and high-quality audiophile components, along with the brand’s signature ultra-protective casing against interference, this product exemplifies a significant advancement in engineering excellence.

3. Accuphase C-47

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 10 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 108 dB | Weight – 14.8 kg
• Pros – diamond in all its glory and power
• Cons – the price is a bit high
• Verdict: High End is Expensive

The latest top-of-the-line phono preamplifier Accuphase C-47 showcases a perfect tonal representation and extremely high resolution – a true embodiment of “brilliance”, elegance, and opulence in sound. It employs a fully balanced setup from input to output and is designed in accordance with the dual mono scheme, featuring separate toroidal transformers for the left and right channels. The RIAA correction error is kept under 0.3 dB, and the printed circuit boards are constructed from fluorocarbon resin and fiberglass with gold-plated tracks.

2. Musical Fidelity NU-VISTA VINYL 2

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 20 – 20,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | Weight – 22 kg
• Pros: incredibly dense bass, well-coordinated delivery
• Cons – sometimes you want a little more transparency
• Verdict: The NU-VISTA mark has already become a quality standard

The Musical Fidelity NU-VISTA VINYL 2, weighing 22 kg like a mastodon, produces a powerful bass and creates expansive soundscapes, leaving a lasting impression. This phono preamplifier is constructed with a fully balanced discrete circuit featuring three Nuvistor class A amplification stages and passive equalization. It offers extensive functionality, including support for DECCA and COLUMBIA curves, adjustable gain within 40 – 69 dB, and input capacitance and resistance switching based on JFET transistors.

1. Vitus Audio MP-P201 mk II

• Type – MM/MC | Frequency response – 0 – 800,000 Hz | Signal-to-noise ratio – 110 dB | Weight – 22 kg
• Pros – absolutely natural sound
• Cons – judging by the price, it will only suit true fans of vinyl and High End
• Verdict: A reference phono preamplifier

This type of phono preamplifier at this price point must be exceptional – and the latest Vitus Audio MP-P201 mk II truly immerses you in the world of music, providing an authentic and hyper-realistic listening experience. With gain control ranging from 20-47 / 50-75 dB for MM/MC cartridges, discrete gain stages with minimal noise, and an innovative frequency response from 0 Hz to 800 kHz, this device is truly a marvel for audiophiles seeking top-notch sound quality.