Is the phono input a thing of the past?

What is a phono input?

A phono input is the input on an amplifier or a preamplifier to which you connect a record player turntable. A phono input is different to a line input such as a CD input, radio tuner input or auxiliary input - it has a much bigger task to do than all of those. A phono input has to equalise the tonal range of a record plus amplify it tremendously, otherwise all you'd hear is a very quiet tinny sound.

Is the phono input a thing of the past? A good question! On most amplifiers and hifi preamps sold today the phono input is a thing of the past. The phono input was dropped by many manufacturers during the 80's and 90's simply because the interest in playing records had declined so much that it wasn't considered a necessity anymore. So how do you go about providing a phono input to connect your record player turntable to now?

The answer is a phono preamp or phono stage: the name of our website URL is phonostagepreamp.com for a reason - that's what we make! A phono preamp or phono stage (the same thing by different names) provide the phono input you need.

So is that it? That just depends on the type of turntable you buy. A hifi turntable that doesn't have its own phono preamp built in is OK, but to entice you there are all sorts of "USB" turntables that have their own preamps - these don't need a phono preamp, but you could be rather disappointed with such a turntable if great vinyl reproduction quality is what you want. Far better to find a "basic" turntable and obtain a proper phono preamp.

Suitable turntables range from the better DJ types like the Technics SL1210 through budget enthusiast turntables like a Rega Planar 2 or 3 to some incredibly expensive turntables. As for the type of pick up cartridge, the beginner can obtain great sound from a relatively inexpensive moving magnet cartridge, and maybe later upgrade to a more expensive moving coil cartridge.

So, what about the phono input? A phono preamp like our Gram Amp 2 Communicator makes a great phono input and its output goes to any spare line level input on your amp. Better still is our Gram Amp 2 Special Edition. The Gram Amp 2 Communicator is favoured by many a professional DJ (these use three) and makes a great phono preamp for archiving or ripping vinyl onto your hard drive.

That's enough about the phono input for starters. I'm sure you'll discover much more by reading the pages on our website and our owners club forum which you're welcome to join.