Phono Stage
Definition
A phono stage, also called a phono preamp, takes the tiny output of a turntable cartridge and raises it to line level. It also applies RIAA equalization: vinyl is cut with reduced bass and boosted treble, and playback must invert that curve.
Cartridge output is millivolts, not volts. Without a phono stage, vinyl is quiet and thin.
In a stereo system
Place the phono stage between the turntable and a line input on a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Many integrated amps include a phono input. If yours does not, use an external phono stage into a line in.
Match the stage to the cartridge type. Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) need different gain and loading. A DAC does not replace a phono stage. Turntables output analog, not a digital bitstream.
Some turntables include a built-in phono stage and offer a line-level RCA output. Use that only if it is switched to line, not phono, when feeding a line input.
