Best Phono Amp Upgrade for your record player

Your turntable requires a preamplifier to produce the soft audio waves perceptible. As a result, it will generate a phono output signal that may need a conversion to the AUX signal (line-level signal). Thu, if you want to learn about phono amp upgrades for your record player’s sound quality, here are 5 of the best phono amp upgrades that you should consider for your record player.

1. Sumiko Pro-Ject AMP Box Mono Power Amplifier

It may be a compact amplifier for your phono amp upgrades, but it can deliver SPL output and sound quality that is surprising for its size. Moreover, it works on a unique Bi-Phase Pulse-Width Modulation circuit, which helps it achieve an incredible 80% efficiency. Additionally, it can also generate 40W output with 4 Ohms.

So, if you are looking for phono amp upgrades that are compact and highly efficient, this is the perfect option. It is ideal for the Bi/Tri-amplification system needs. Even more, it has a trigger signal feature that allows you to turn the amplifier on or off remotely. It comes with a power-on cable that allows relaying the trigger action to multiple speakers.

Finally, the metal frame is shielded and prevents EM interference or vibration from reaching the circuitry. This amp weighs just 1.5 lbs.

2. Pro-Ject Audio - Phono Box DC - MM/MC Phono Preampa

It is a versatile phono amplifier that works with both Moving Coil (MC) and Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges. Besides, it is affordable while having gold-plated RCA connection points. However, the chassis highlights minimal features on the front and connections and MM/MC toggle button on the back.

This Phono Box DC is a versatile phono stage that provides an interface to a preamp, integrated amp, or receiver that offers solely line-level inputs. Some of the critical features of this amp include:

Lesser distortion
Lower noise
Flat RIAA equalization curve (60 dB gain for MC and 40dB gain for MM)
High fidelity performance
5V RMS or 1 kHz maximum output

3. Rega Fono Mini A2D MM Phono Preamp & USB A/D Converter

It is also a versatile unit but in a different way. Likewise, it is a phono amp for MM cartridges and has a USB port to transfer analog to digital music. It is made in a durable extruded aluminium case and features all standard connections in the back and USB port in the front. You will also find the signal level knob and the earth screw on the front.

This preamp makes it a breeze to convert your analog records into high-definition digital audio. Despite the options it provides, it is a compact-sized phono amp.

Some of the key features here include:

Transfer vinyl music to your PC using the USB output
It is designed on the concept of the successful Rega Mira MM phono stage integrated amp
It is an excellent sounding adding to your analog system
The user-friendly panels on the front and rear make it quite simple to get a high-quality audio experience
The controls can also make it easy to adjust the optimal levels of recording quality

4. Schiit Mani Phono Preamp

It is also a versatile phono amp in that it supports both MM and MC cartridges. You can use it with high-output cartridges. Also, it is an American-made amp that creates high-quality sound. Moreover, it is quite inexpensive.

The key features here include the following:

Provides low-noise and incredibly accurate performance
Passive and highly reliable RIAA network
Extremely low-noise
Consistency in sonic performance

The design of most of the affordable phono amps allows us to use them with MM cartridges. They don’t feature the gain required to work with MC cartridges. They also don’t have the versatility to work with high-performance MM cartridges. The Schiit Mani features four gain modes that you can switch between, including:

30dB
42dB
47dB
59dB

You can easily switch between these modes to use with any cartridge.

Another interesting point about this phono amp is that its RIAA network gets implemented passively. It is what helps in achieving consistent sonic performance. Besides, it comes with a limited warranty of 2 years, twice that coverage provided for most amps in its price range.

5. Turntable Lab: Rolls VP 29.TTL Phono Preamp Turntable Lab Edition

Firstly, it is a Turntable Lab edition of the successful VP29 phono amplifier. It is a result of the collaboration between Turntable Lab and Rolls / Bellari. However, this phono amp works with MM cartridges. Also, the VP29 stands out for its user-friendliness and compact size. It works by amplifying RIAA phono signal into the line-level signal, featuring highly reliable and incredible sonic circuitry.

Some of the critical features of this phono amp upgrade include:

Versatile amp that works with all turntables
Ease of setup and playing
Features 2.5mm stereo output, RCA input/output, and grounding post
Designed for MM cartridges

6. Emotiva Audio XPS-1 Phono Preamp (phono amp upgrades)

It is also an excellent upgrade option for you. The Emotiva Audio XPS-1 blends the best of analog sound quality and technical performance. Furthermore, it is designed for low noise and a high level of precision. It can be used to connect your turntable to any preamp, line stage or audio device featuring line-level RCA inputs.

This phono amp gets its features from the precision line-level device from Emotiva. High-quality parts are used for the signal path to provide accurate RIAA equalization. Some of the critical elements of this amp are as follows:

Low noise for cartridges with a meagre output
Extremely low distortion
You can use it with a wide range of cartridges
The circuitry is designed for optimal gain/noise performance for both MM and MC cartridges
Load impedance on MC input can be configured to achieve optimal sound

It is affordable and has a compact size. Furthermore, you can use it with almost any turntable.

Conclusion on phono amp upgrades

So if you are looking for the best phono amp upgrade options for your record player, you should consider these options. Each of these amplifiers is better than the other, making it slightly challenging to make the right choice.