Best phono preamps 2023: budget to high-end phono stages

Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2
(Image credit: Cyrus)

Have a turntable? Then you'll likely need a phono preamp (aka phono stage), which raises your turntable's audio output to make it compatible with line-level modern amplifiers. At the same time, it adds standardised equalisation. 

So why do you need one? Your stereo amplifier or turntable may not have one, in which case you won't be able to play records without this crucial component. Or you might just want to upgrade its sound beyond what's possible with the built-in phono stage found in amplifiers or some record players.

As with many product categories, phono stages span all price ranges. But whether you're looking to pinch pennies or break the bank, we've got a phono preamp for you. Every phono stage on this list has been thoroughly tested by the team of experts at What Hi-Fi? in our dedicated listening rooms, so you can trust our buying advice. We've drawn on our reviews catalogue from recent years to pick the best available right now, so you can be sure that you're buying the very best quality for your money.

If you're on the lookout for a new turntable, check out our pick of the best record players for every budget. And once you've got your new vinyl set up ready, here are a few tips on how to get the best sound from your turntable.

How to choose the best phono preamp for you

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Which phono stage you need is entirely dependent on what your existing vinyl system is, and your budget.

Moon 110LP v2 lifestyle

Smooth and refined, this affordable Moon phono stage works wonders with any turntable. (Image credit: Moon)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. A solid, compact phono stage with a wonderfully musical sound.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 4.2 x 12.7 x 16.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Smooth, refined presentation
+
Spacious stereo imaging
+
Impressive build and finish 

Reasons to avoid

-
Less convincing with moving coil cartridges

It doesn't have the snappiest of names, but the Moon 110LP v2 does a fine job of improving your vinyl performance. The neat aluminium box is finished to Moon's high standards and it is switchable, meaning it's capable of handling both moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. 

Provided you keep it away from other mains-powered products and power cables, this phono stage will prove suitably quiet and hum-free. Features are basic but it's clear that Moon has focused on the bit that counts – sound quality.

As such, the Moon 110LP v2 is one of the best phono preamps of its kind at this price. It works particularly well with moving magnet cartridges, dishing up a smooth, fluid and refined sound with a satisfying punch. The stereo imaging is accomplished and remains stable even when the music becomes demanding. It has a subtle way with music that's rewarding and easy to listen to for long hours.

With moving coil cartridges, large-scale dynamics are a touch restrained and bass is softer – but you’d have to spend half as much again to get a phono stage that does appreciably better.

If you’re in the market for a quality affordable phono stage, this little Award-winning box is well worth auditioning.

Read the full review: Moon 110LP v2

Cambridge Audio Duo MM/MC

The prettiest phono preamp around is also a talented performer, with a bonus built-in headphone amp.  (Image credit: Cambridge Audio)
An affordable, stylish and fantastic-sounding phono preamp.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: No
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 4.8 x 21.5 x 16cm

Reasons to buy

+
Full-bodied, warm presentation
+
Times well, good dynamics
+
Looks lovely and is a treat to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks some punch

Well this is certainly a looker. With an offset volume dial, minimalist styling and mirrored rear labelling that's easy to read even if you're peering over the top of the unit, it's clear a lot of thought has gone into the Cambridge Audio Duo phono stage. And no less attention has been paid to the audio quality. 

The presentation is very good indeed, being spacious and cohesive, while the sound is dynamic and the timing spot-on. It doesn't quite match the Rega Fono MM MK3 for punch, but it certainly holds its own verve with both MC and MM cartridges.

The bonus here is the inclusion of a built-in headphone amplifier with 6.3mm headphone jack, which is somewhat unusual but entirely welcome in a phono stage at this level. It's a lovely way to upgrade your vinyl system or add a bit of modern flourish.

The smooth, full-bodied performance, coupled with the inclusion of a headphone amp, makes this stylish box certainly worthy of consideration.

Read the full review: Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM

Vertere Phono-1 MkII L - Best phono preamps

Small updates to this Award-winning Vertere results in an enthusiastic and even more impressive performance. (Image credit: Vertere)
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. A brilliant premium phono stage with excellent features and even better sound.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 5.5 x 21 x 23.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Improved clarity
+
Impressive dynamic expression and rhythmic drive
+
Excellent detail resolution
+
Good range of adjustability

Reasons to avoid

-
Price rise over original

Vertere already had a great phono stage on its hands, but this updated version manages to deliver significant performance gains, thanks to some careful housekeeping and honing of the circuit board and power supply. The tidy little box remains the same; an orange power LED is the only addition to the design.

The new Phono-1 MkII L is a brilliant performer, with a useful selection of features and adjustments that should help you get the most from any cartridge. Its detailed, musical delivery makes it a joy to listen to.

We love the scale of performance and the way the Vertere delivers the seismic dynamic shifts of the recording with so much enthusiasm. As with the previous generation (also an Award-winner), our main takeaway after hearing this phono stage is that it makes listening to music interesting and, where appropriate, fun. There’s not much we can ask of any piece of hi-fi beyond that.

If you’ve got an earlier version of the Phono-1 don’t worry about swapping it out for this new one. For new buyers, don’t hesitate to go for this version as it's a clear step up and worth the price hike (now £1350 / $1895 / AU$2700). Given a source and system of appropriate talent, it remains one of the finest phono stages we’ve heard at the price.

Read the full review: Vertere Phono-1 MkII L

Rega Fono MM MK3 - Best phono preamps

Rega continues to evolve its long-standing, great-sounding phono stage.
One of the best long-running phono preamp models you can buy at this mid-range price.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: No
Cartridge loading adjustment: No
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 4.5 x 17.8 x 14cm

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed, spacious performance
+
Fine handling of timing and dynamics
+
Updated, sleeker design

Reasons to avoid

-
Superseded by new MK5 version

The Rega Fono MM MK2 was one of the finest phono stages available, so to say expectations were high for its successor is a bit of an understatement. Thankfully, it meets them and then some. The MM MK3's basic design has been fine-tuned within an inch of its life, making for a much sleeker product that retains the winning simplicity of its predecessor. 

The Award-winning sound of the MK3 now has a greater dynamic range, tauter bass and greater clarity, making an already fantastic performance even better. A wide-open soundstage, masterful handling of timing and dynamics (no surprise given Rega's enviable track record with amplifiers and turntables) and reduced noise levels elevate the performance even further.

Rega advises you to only use the supplied PS1 mains plug with the phono preamp - a replacement will set you back around £20. Easily one of the best sound-for-pound phono preamps around.

Note: as of 2022 there is now a new MK5 version of this phono stage, which we will put through the review process very soon.

Read the full review: Rega Fono MM MK3

Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator - Best phono preamps

Graham Slee's decade-old, compact and basic phono stage is still a great buy for those on a strict budget.
Despite improved competition, the budget Gram Amp still stands the test of time.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: No
Cartridge loading adjustment: No
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 13 x 21 x 15.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Class-leading detail
+
Brilliant timing
+
Expressive sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the last word in weight or punch
-
Additional PSU costs same as phono stage itself

Another oldie but still a goodie, the Gram Amp 2 holds its own nearly a decade after first coming on the scene. And you can see why - simplicity is the name of the game here, an approach that ages remarkably well. It's a moving-magnet phono stage with one set of inputs, one output, no bells or whistles. 

Sound quality is first-rate: fantastically detailed, with the upper register particularly impressive. It’s difficult to imagine a more detailed presentation from a phono stage for the money. There are rivals with an equally wide soundstage, but they perhaps don’t shine the spotlight so intensely on each instrumental strand. Detail is where it stands out, but the Gram Amp 2 is also a dab hand at dynamics and timing – although perhaps not with as much bite and punch compared with the Rega.

There's also an optional PSU1 linear audio upgrade: a 24V DC brick that evens out the voltage and noise variations from a household power supply. It will cost you £180 - same as the Amp 2 itself – but if you want to elevate this already excellent budget model with some extra muscle and low-end dynamics, then it's worth it.

Read the full review: Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator

iFi Zen Phono

iFi offers a good alternative that champions detail resolution over all else.  (Image credit: iFi)
An ambitious, clean-sounding entry-level photo stage.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 3.5 x 15.8 x 11.7cm

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, detailed performance
+
Well balanced
+
Lots of features 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not class-leading timing

The iFi Zen Phono is a welcome edition to the ranks of decent, entry-level phono stages that make your records sound clean. In fact, you'll struggle to find anything that does a better job, clarity-wise, at this price.

As you'd expect from a company with a solid reputation in this sector, the iFi Zen Phono is well-built. It's suited to moving magnet cartridges, but can handle moving coil too. It's also worth noting that the balanced circuit design reduces noise and crosstalk – a feature less common at this end of the market.

The main attraction here is the sound. It's clean but never drifts into the realms of clinical. If the aim of the game is to reproduce each note, having perhaps given it a little polish, Zen Phono wins hands down. Balance is spot on, too.

This product doesn't offer the same level of enthusiasm and dynamism found in a few of the options listed above, but we can't help but fall for its honest sonic character. For that reason, it's well worth auditioning.

Read the full iFi Zen Phono review

Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL - Best phono preamps

An elegant, superbly balanced and wonderfully transparent phono preamp from Musical Fidelity.
Generous features, superb sound and a little flavour of the truly high-end.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 5.3 x 22 x 21.5cm

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive transparency
+
Articulate and agile presentation
+
Impressive build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Rivals have better rhythmic cohesion

Phono stages tend to be, apart from the sleek Cambridge Audio Duo above, rather plain black boxes. Musical Fidelity takes a different approach: this phono preamp is beautifully made, with a smartly machined front panel and nice-to-use controls.

Rather than use a series of dipswitches (as many rivals do), the MX-VYNL has a rather elegant control dial to manage the switch between moving coil and moving magnet inputs and their different loading requirements.

Alongside a standard single-ended phono input – something that will be used by the vast majority of decks around – it can also accept a balanced signal in the form of a mini XLR 5-pin connector. 

Thankfully, convenience is far from the MX-VYNL's only strength - sound is wonderfully transparent and detailed, digging up low-level instrumental strands and sonic textures with ease. We love the way it handles vocals. There's a fluidity to it that makes rivals seem mechanical by comparison, although it may not have the outright rhythmic cohesion found in the similarly-priced Rega Aria. But it doesn't exactly hold back when it comes to bite and attack. 

It's superb balance of attitude and refinement. If the rest of your system is up to scratch, the MX-VYNL is worth the investment.

Read the full review: Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL

Rega Aura MC phono stage

A high-end and stunning performer that demands suitably talented partnering equipment to sound its best. (Image credit: Rega)
Rega's high-end phono stage is one to savour.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: No
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: No
Dimensions (hwd): 8.8 x 43.5 x 35cm

Reasons to buy

+
Dynamic and entertaining presentation
+
Impressive detail resolution
+
Terrific build

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of choice in equalisation curves
-
Not compatible with moving magnets
-
Requires careful system matching

Rega as a brand tends to focus on the more affordable end of the hi-fi market, but when it decides to go big the results are usually spectacular, as the high-end Aura phono stage proves (tested at £3999 / $5995). This is no Swiss Army knife device, being devoted to getting the most from moving coil cartridges only - rather appropriately so at this price level. Those with moving magnets will have to look elsewhere.

Build quality is impeccable, and once the cartridge is optimised with the correct electrical loading, you’ll find that the Aura will allow your record player to sing – delivering a sound full of excitement and drive. Rarely have we come across such an entertaining performer. 

The Aura’s character is clean, crisp and articulate, but it's the way it resolves complex arrangements and assembles them in such an organised, musical manner that really impresses. Rhythmic drive and dynamic expression are typically Rega's forte, and here it's class-leading.

There's a sparkle to the top end that gives the Aura’s presentation plenty of immediacy, which just draws us into the music. It’s a bold, upfront presentation that makes up in entertainment what it loses in image depth, refinement or outright spaciousness that you get from rivals such as the more laidback Luxman EQ-500.

The Rega Aura isn’t cheap and demands the best from your partnering kit and source materials, too. But in a suitably talented system, it’s worth all that money and then some.

Read the full Rega Aura review

Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 - Best phono preamps

This excellent Cyrus combination is feature-packed and will make your records and vinyl system shine.
A high quality phono stage for premium turntables.

Specifications

Moving Magnet: Yes
Moving Coil: Yes
Cartridge loading adjustment: Yes
Remote control: Yes
Dimensions (hwd): 7.3 x 21.5 x 36cm

Reasons to buy

+
Crisp, balanced, insightful sound
+
Expressive dynamics
+
Rhythmically surefooted
+
Flexible in use

Reasons to avoid

-
Remote is poorly marked for cartridge loading adjustments
-
Display contrast is poor off-axis
-
Front panel buttons feel vague

The Cyrus Audio brand has been built on a long tradition of excellent CD players and amplifiers. Vinyl replay has never been a major part of its output, and we’ve found past phono stages to be good rather than great. The Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2 combination (originally tested at £1900, now available for £2290) changes that.

This premium phono stage lets the user fine-tune cartridge matching from the comfort of their favourite listening position, thanks to a handy (if poorly marked) remote control – something we haven’t come across before. There is a wide range of adjustments available for gain, resistance and capacitance too.

Sound quality is seriously talented and it comes bursting with texture and insight. It's a wonderfully clean and crisp sound, with more low-end weight and substance sitting alongside Cyrus’s traditional values of precision and speed.

The Phono Signature on its own sounds refined and smooth with plenty of bite when required, but adding the updated PSX-R2 power supply takes sound quality to another plane altogether. The scale is even bigger, bass gains more authority, and the precise positions of the performers and instruments in the beautifully layered sound stage are laid bare. The insightful delivery squeezes the very last drop of emotion from a recording.

If you’ve already got a suitably talented turntable and really want to hear how good it is, this Cyrus combination is a must-buy.

Read the full review: Cyrus Phono Signature/PSX-R2

How we test phono preamps

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in Reading, London and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door – including phono preamps (or phono stages).

Sound quality is key in forming our verdicts and star ratings. What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we listen to every phono preamp we review against the current leader in its field and price point to gauge how it compares to the best-in-class competition. We keep What Hi-Fi? Award winners in our stockrooms so we can always pit new products against ones we know and love, and we do our best to review as many new models in as many markets as possible to ensure our contextual knowledge is the best it can be.

We are always impartial in our testing and ensure we hear every phono preamp at its optimum – with the matching turntable and appropriate cartridge(s) of course. We'll use them in their best use case with different partnering source kit and speakers, as well as play plenty of different types of music through them. Naturally, we give them plenty of listening time (and time to run in) too.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with What Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades. 

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

Why do I need a phono stage?

The audio information stored in a record's groove can be in an area as small as a micron (one-thousandth of a millimetre), so the scale of the task to retrieve it and playback through your speakers is immense - one that your standard line-level stereo amplifier isn't able to do on its own.

The physical limitations of vinyl mean that the original audio signal has to be altered before it can be recorded onto its tiny grooves – low frequencies are reduced in level and the highs are boosted. The curve that governs this equalisation standard was set by the RIAA (Record Industry Association of America) in 1954.

This is where the phono stage (or phono preamp) comes in. It has two jobs. Firstly, it has the reverse response built into it – one that boosts bass and flattens treble to exactly the right degree, which should result in a tonally even presentation for the audio signal.

Secondly, it acts as an amplifier. The cartridge signals from tracking the groove can be as low as a thousandth of a volt (CD’s output is specified at 2V, for instance) so the signal has to be amplified massively before the line-level stage of a stereo amplifier can take over.

Learn more about how a vinyl record makes a sound

MORE: 

Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products, been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found catching up with TV shows, tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.

  • listenandyouwillsee
    Best phono pre amp Rega Phono MM MK3 !!! REALLY!!! obviously no one at What Numb Nuts has heard the sublime Shiit Mani. It blows the Rega MM MK3 into next week I know I've had the Rega and now listen to the Mani. But it doesn't even get a mention, serious loss of respect for the reviews and revievers here now.
    Reply
  • jdej541943
    listenandyouwillsee said:
    Best phono pre amp Rega Phono MM MK3 !!! REALLY!!! obviously no one at What Numb Nuts has heard the sublime Shiit Mani. It blows the Rega MM MK3 into next week I know I've had the Rega and now listen to the Mani. But it doesn't even get a mention, serious loss of respect for the reviews and revievers here now.


    Hi there!! I had the Rega for about a year , then the Mani came out it was $99 so i took the plunge. I could not believe it!! The Mani blew out the Rega by a mile . Everything improved so much from Hi to Lows. I owned a Clearaudio Champion II with an Audio-technica 150mlx. Thats the problem with reviews from magazines that are bias to USA products. Have you seen a Magnepan in recommended review in British HiFI magazines?
    Reply
  • Belerofon
    jdej541943 said:
    Hi there!! I had the Rega for about a year , then the Mani came out it was $99 so i took the plunge. I could not believe it!! The Mani blew out the Rega by a mile . Everything improved so much from Hi to Lows. I owned a Clearaudio Champion II with an Audio-technica 150mlx. Thats the problem with reviews from magazines that are bias to USA products. Have you seen a Magnepan in recommended review in British HiFI magazines?
    Well, i don't think it's bias. British are one of most brilliant manufactures in case vinyl or music industry. IN case of rega aria. Aria is in her price tag great phono and multi award winner so no suprise here. If you prefer Mani good for you, but i've heard aprox. 10 phono stages and Aria truly shines. For my ears Mani is not even close to Aria. Of course i have all rega setup so it's synergy there.
    Reply