What Is a Phono Stage and Do You Really Need One?

In this article, we’ll break down what a phono stage does, why it’s important, and how to determine if you need one in your audio setup.

What Is a Phono Stage?

A phono stage, also known as a phono preamp, is a device that amplifies the signal from your turntable to a level that your speakers or amplifier can use.

Turntables produce a very weak signal, known as a phono signal, which is much lower than the standard line-level signal used by most audio equipment (like CD players, streaming devices, or smartphones).

Without a phono stage, your turntable’s output will sound very quiet or even distorted. The phono stage boosts the signal and applies something called RIAA equalization, which corrects the way records are recorded to restore the proper sound balance.

Why Do You Need a Phono Stage?

You need a phono stage because:

• The signal from a turntable is too weak to be used directly with most speakers or amplifiers.
• Records are recorded with altered frequencies, and the phono stage restores them to normal.
• Without it, music will sound flat, quiet, or even completely inaudible.
• Think of a phono stage as a translator—it takes the raw output from your turntable and converts it into something your speakers can understand.

Do All Turntables Need a Phono Stage?

Not necessarily! There are two types of turntables:

• Turntables with a built-in phono stage – These are plug-and-play. You can connect them directly to powered speakers or any audio system.
• Turntables without a built-in phono stage – These require an external phono preamp or an amplifier/speaker system with a built-in phono input.
• To check if your turntable has a built-in phono stage, look for a switch labeled "Phono/Line" on the back. If it has this switch, it includes a preamp, and you can connect it directly to speakers. If not, you’ll need an external phono stage.

When Is a Phono Stage Necessary?

A phono stage is required if:

• Your turntable does not have a built-in preamp.
• Your speaker system does not have a dedicated “Phono” input.

A phono stage is not necessary if:

• Your turntable has a built-in phono preamp.
• Your speaker system has a dedicated phono input.
• If your setup already includes a phono stage (either in the turntable or speakers), adding an extra one won’t improve sound quality and may actually make it worse.

How Does the Quality of the Phono Stage Affect Sound?

Not all phono stages are created equal. A high-quality phono preamp can make a big difference in your vinyl listening experience by:

• Reducing unwanted noise and distortion.
• Improving clarity, detail, and depth in your records.
• Enhancing the bass and overall dynamics of the music.
• External phono stages tend to offer better sound quality compared to built-in ones, especially in higher-end models. However, for casual listeners, a decent built-in preamp is usually more than enough.