Are you trying to find phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!
We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 28 hours of research and did 38 phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!
An overview of our top picks
Table of contents
The best phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges you can buy today
- Compact phono preamplifier
- Adjusts for MM or MC cartridge via switch on rear panel
- Small size allows installation close to record player
- Ultra-low impedance output stage
- Metal case shields the electronics from vibration and electromagnetic interference
- PHONO PREAMP + HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER: in (1) component
- DUAL FUNCTION VOLUME KNOB: works for both phono + headphone outputs
- High quality components + Full metal casing
- Support for Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil(MC) cartridges both.
- With Treble and Bass tone adjustment function
- Schiit’s all-new Mani 2 sets the standard for performance and capability in an affordable phono stage. Super low noise and high RIAA accuracy.
- Gain: Choose 35, 45, 50, or 60dB of gain, for virtually any cartridge from Decca to low-output MC and MI models.
- Loading: Choose 47KΩ, 200Ω, 47Ω, or 38Ω, and 47pF, 100pF, 150pF, or 200pF for virtually any MM, MC, or MI cartridge.
- Filter: Choose 6dB/octave or 12dB/octave of purely passive low-frequency filtering (at 15 Hz), to help with warped records or other subsonic problems.
- Designed and built in TX, USA. 115VAC only. USA Plug. Suitable for use in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Will not work in 220 – 240V countries.
- High Performance: The BOX X5 phono preamp is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, featuring 4 gain settings and an excellent precise RIAA equalization to provide a clean, direct pass-through of a signal when paired with your turntable(Input voltage 120V)
- Audiophile-Grade Components: This preamp utilizes a variety of materials such as 2% Precision Polyester Film Capacitors, Green Sleeve Copper Lead Audio Capacitors, 0.1% High-Precision Film Resistors, OPA1612 Op-Amp, Gold-Plated RCA Jacks, and more. It picks up subtle and finite detail produced from it and delivers a truly warm and inviting sound
- Multiple Gain Settings: With 4-Level gain adjustment settings of 38/48/56/66dB, the preamplifier accommodates both MM & MC cartridge types, meeting a variety of needs. This enhances your phono stage and helps in rebuilding the vintage stereo sound
- Mini and Exquisite: It's built around a minimalist yet functional design featuring an all-aluminum alloy chassis. When paired with the V3 stereo amplifier, the BOX X5 can bring out the best in your vinyl playback, enhancing its frequency response and dynamic performance
- User Friendly Design: It has an easy-to-use one-touch power button, gain control, and a convenient toggle switch to switch between MC and MM cartridges. In addition, the grounding port ensures that the connection is secure
- With MM/MC, high/low and very low, the ZEN Phono is able to handle just about any cartridge. From 36dB all the way up to 72dB. So as your vinyl system grows over time, the ZEN Phono will always keep up.
- ZEN Phono 3’s RIAA EQ circuitry uses multiple TDK C0G capacitors in parallel. This is for best stability and the least distortion.
- Mix and match gain and loading settings independently of each other with the all-new loading button, ensuring optimum compatibility with a wide range of cartridges and allowing you to get the sound ‘just right’.
- As with many other iFi audio products, we’ve incorporated a custom OV Series operational-amplifier. This top-notch component contributes to the extremely low noise, low distortion (0.0001%) and wide bandwidth.
- With bass treble adjust
- A pure valve preamplifier, make sound more warm.
- featuring two 6E2 vacuum tubes that offer a dynamic signal level display through the magic eye and two 6A2 tubes known for their warm, natural, and full-bodied sound.
- Audiophiler MKP pro audio coupling capacitor.and nichicon filtering capacitance
- Plug-and-Play with Ease: The T9's pluggable tube socket design allows for easy replacement with different tube types such as 6K4, EF93, 6BA6, W727, etc., giving you the flexibility to customize your sound signature and enjoy a variety of tube sounds. Included with your purchase is a DC12V power supply, comprehensive manual, and all necessary components for seamless setup and enjoyment.
- 【Suitable For MM and MC Cartridges】The AIYIMA T3 PRO is our first phono preamp to utilize 4 pcs Op-Amps and support multiple resistance adjustments. It also is the first Phonograph preamp to suitable for MM and MC cartridges
- 【Front-Sided Gain Control】It offers support for both MM and MC cartridges and comes with 0-39db gain settings to be switched on the front panel
- 【 Impedance Settings Adjustable】Eight variable input impedance settings are available to adjust to any MC cartridge(Not suit for MM cartridge), This provides customers with a wide range of options and the ability to change the sound signature to their preference
- 【The Unique Exterior Design】Using aluminum/metal housing material is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also prevents vibration and electromagnetic interference for superior sound quality
- 【Professional Phonograph Preamplifier】AIYIMA T3 PRO MM Phono Preamp Only support MM/MC Phono single input(Other Audio signal inputs not supported),The T3 PRO's RCA audio signal outputs can be directed to an active speaker or home audio amplifier
- 【What's Included?】AIYIMA T3 PRO Package included AC Power adapter, It is easy to use
- "Climate Pledge Friendly" Certified by Amazon — Empowering Carbon Neutrality Goals.Voice for the Planet, Purity in Sound
- Connect any turntable to a wide variety of audio systems. Perfect for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts
- Variable preamp gain; RCA preamp outputs
- High accuracy/ low noise phono preamp
- Switchable low cut rumble filter; Signal Present/Clip Indicator
- External power supply for lower noise; Moving Coil/Moving Magnet switchable input
- MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL - Enhances a basic built-in phono level in a turntable or amplifier system
- Clean audio: reduces hissing, noise and rumbling in vinyl playback
- EXPERTLY DESIGNED - Works with both MM and MC cartridges
- Very Low Noise - Hear every drop of detail against a super quiet background
- Innovative pioneering phono tubes in miniature format with premium sound. Suitable for MM and MC pickups
- Very low noise circuit, complete discrete construction without op amp, polystyrene audiophile capacitors
- 2 ECC83 tubes (interchangeable), constructed in double mono for better channel separation
- Gold RCA inputs and outputs, front subsonic filter switch, front gain settings
- Aluminum and metal sandwich housing protects against vibration and electromagnetic interference
- MM Phono Preamplifier: The PH-1 is designed specifically for MM cartridges. By eliminating the MC amplification circuit, it boosts circuit performance by 50%! This makes it a popular choice among users and enhances convenience
- Low Noise Operation: The PH-1 boasts an advanced power processing circuit that provides isolated dual power supply from a DC input. With a gain of 46dB, it ensures a robust output signal of around 1000mV, preventing distortion from large input signal
- Great Audio Quality: Equipped with a high-quality 5V DC power supply, the PH-1 delivers stable performance. Key performance metrics include -81dB THD+N, -77dB Channel Separation and 84dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio, offering an exceptional value for money
- 6.35mm Headphone Amplifier: The PH-1 features an integrated independent 6.35mm jack headphone amplifier. This design is perfect for situations where using speakers is impractical and can also serve as a front-stage volume control for active speakers
- User Friendly Design: It features an easy to use one-touch power button, headphone volume control knob. In addition, the ground connection ensures a secure connection. The design is both visually appealing and ergonomically well-crafted
- Mini Phono Preamp: Despite PH-1 has 6 interfaces ( Power cord, RCA L/R input, RCA/6.35mm headphone output and ground interface), the PH-1 is compact at just 96 x 94 x 30 mm. Its palm-sized form factor and well-spaced interfaces make wiring a breeze
- Dual transformers and analog power supplies - AC polarity switch to help eliminate hum
- RIAA defeat switch allows for post recording digital RIAA equalization - Settings for MM-47 kΩ, MC-47 kΩ or MC-100 Ω cartridges
- 2 additional inputs for recording line level audio (Tape, Tuner, Sat Radio, etc.) - Headphone output for monitoring recording
- MM /MC phono input, support multiple input impedance switch (1KΩ/470Ω/220Ω/100Ω/47Ω/22Ω/10Ω), converts phono signal to line level signal, low-noise integrated circuits and high-quality components to ensure clear sound. 3.5mm AUX input, amplify the low level audio signal from your phone, tablet, PC, MP3 etc., easier to drive amplifier or active speaker and greatly improve the sound quality.
- Unique and amazing combination in the appearance: integrated T4 PLUS preamp with retro tubes and VU meter into a whole, the pointer dancing in the warm light with strong vintage feelings when enjoy HiFi music, dynamically decorates the audio system and give you a different acoustic enjoyment with large dynamic and sweet tube sound even in limited space.
- US JAN5654 tubes and vintage warm sound: default comes with JAN5654 tubes, improves everything associated with your music such as detail, transparency, immediacy, richness, dynamic, tone etc., much better than 6J1 series especially in human voice. Pluggable tube socket for tube rolling and sound-shaping, easy to pick from and alter the sound signature to one's preference.
- 3.5mm headphone output and perfect circuit design: T4 PLUS also with built-in classic headphone amp circuit (2*NE5532), easily to drive 32-300 ohm headphones. Reasonable and advanced architecture, TI TPS5430+7205MOS for power management, TL071+JRC2068 phono preamp circuit etc., enjoy HiFi analog sound and first-class design with an unbeatable low cost.
- Mini size and excellent performance: all designs full of details, such as solid aluminum alloy knob, gold-plated terminals, grey integrated moulding aluminum alloy shell decorates with built-in VU meter, looks vintage and elegant. Not only a MM/MC phono preamp, but also a stereo audio preamp and headphone amplifier, especially designed for the audiophiles who pursue HiFi sound.
- High Performance: The BOX X5 phono preamp is compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, featuring 4 gain settings and an excellent precise RIAA equalization to provide a clean, direct pass-through of a signal when paired with your turntable
- Audiophile-Grade Components: This preamp utilizes a variety of materials such as 2% Precision Polyester Film Capacitors, Green Sleeve Copper Lead Audio Capacitors, 0.1% High-Precision Film Resistors, OPA1612 Op-Amp, Gold-Plated RCA Jacks, and more. It picks up subtle and finite detail produced from it and delivers a truly warm and inviting sound
- Multiple Gain Settings: With 4-Level gain adjustment settings of 38/48/56/66dB, the preamplifier accommodates both MM & MC cartridge types, meeting a variety of needs. This enhances your phono stage and helps in rebuilding the vintage stereo sound
- 100% Shielded Cables: Ensures the integrity of signal transmission, minimizes crosstalk, and safeguards the internal conductors. 0.3m/11.81in Length: Streamlines your desktop setup and facilitates easy connections.
- When used to connect the Fosi Audio BOX X5 phono preamplifier to a turntable, it effectively mitigates electromagnetic interference.
- The V90LPS is an outstanding phone stage / amplifier designed to provide the ideal interface between high performance turntables and HiFi amplifiers.
- Its signal path has been designed to offer a clean and transparent connection for your music to ensure it is heard exactly as the artist intended.
- Housed in a sleek, attractive case the V90LPS balances highend performance with incredible value and is the perfect partner for a wide range of turntables.
- Its separate Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) inputs are each tuned to offer the best possible performance from their respective cartridges and convey a startlingly realistic audio performance.
- While the V90LPS offers an outstanding musical experience it also represents amazing value for money.
- UNCOMPROMISED PHONO AMPLIFICATION AND EQUALIZATION - Precisely converts the turntable phono signal to line level, featuring an ultra high-accuracy frequency response to faithfully reproduce the original recording to the RIAA standard
- SOPHISTICATED CIRCUIT DESIGN ENGINEERED WITH PREMIUM COMPONENTS - High accuracy components, low noise power supply, and low impedance output stage achieve greater RIAA specification, gain performance and lower distortion
- VIVID STEREO SOUNDSTAGE - Utilizing individual left and right channel OP amps provide optimal channel separation and virtually no crosstalk during signal reproduction and amplification stages
- LOW FREQUENCY RUMBLE FILTERING - This selectable high pass filter rolls off the low end frequencies below 20Hz. This slow gentle roll off is helpful to reduce subsonic resonant feedback and noise when listening at loud volumes
- PROTECTED FROM ANY ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE - Internal metal shielding enclosure to block electro-magnetic interference and electronic noise
- Hi-Fi Sound Quality: Supports MM/MC cartridges, delivering clean and detailed audio for audiophiles.
- Built-in USB DAC: Directly connects to computers, supporting various audio formats for digital playback.
- Multiple Input Options: Equipped with RCA and XLR inputs, compatible with various audio devices.
- Low Noise Design: Uses high-quality components to reduce noise and enhance listening experience.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for home audio systems and professional studios, improving vinyl playback.
- Low-noise phono preamp for all MM (moving magnet) cartridges.
- Designed and assembled in Woburn, MA. Comes with a 3-year warranty and lifetime product support from U-Turn Audio.
- Combines elegant circuit design and high-quality components like WIMA film capacitors and precision resistors for remarkably clear and accurate amplification.
- Active subsonic filter removes low-frequency noise. Dual high-performance gain stages for low THD (distortion).
- Compact aluminum enclosure shields sensitive electronic components from interference.
- Suitable for MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) cartridges
- RIAA equalization (after Douglas Self
- Capacitances for MM: Off, 150 pF, 220 pF and 330 pF
- Impedances for MC: 100, 220, 470; 2k2, 4k7 and 10 kohms
- Switchable Gain: Normal, -10 dB, +4 dB
- MAGIC helps lessen pops and clicks gently, and improves every record in your collection.
- GAIN is flexible for all phono cartridge types including MM, MI, and MC (down to 0.2mV).
- AIR gets the high frequencies and soundstage just right. No tricky loading calculations needed.
- WARMTH dials in the overall mix.
- SUPER MONO removes imperfections from Mono LPs to sound superb (especially w/ MAGIC).
- EQ settings (hundreds) for many different LP formats.
- Can be used with your current phono preamp as a LINE IN with MAGIC.
- Personalized email troubleshooting and advice from Shannon Parks himself.
- Download the Waxwing Remote app from the App Store and Google Play today to check it out.
- And much, much more.
How to choose a good phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges
Does the idea of finding a fantastic phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!
Your presence here indicates that you are interested in phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?
First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges on the market right now!
The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:
Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.
Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges based on those.
Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.
Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.
Customer ratings: Would it be accurate to suggest that the phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.
Customer Reviews: Like ratings, provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.
Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.
Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges for months and years to come.
Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.
Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.
These are the standards by which we selected our phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.
Why should you believe us?
There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges should you purchase in 2022?
This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on phono preamp for mc and mm cartridges.
