Buzz
The role of a phono stage is to amplify the analog signal from the turntable to line level for utilization with devices like amplifiers for speakers or headphones. When the stylus needle tracks along the record groove, it generates the phono signal. The line signal can be directly routed to the LINE or AUX input on amplifiers, active speakers, receivers, etc. However, the phono signal, with its low intensity (0.2mV - 8mV), lacks sufficient gain, resulting in low volume and unclear sound.What Occurs When the Phono Signal is Converted to a Line Signal?
Two Vital Steps in Converting Phono Signal to Line Signal:- The extremely small signal from the cartridge is amplified sufficiently (about 100 times) to transmit to the line input
- When converting the phono signal to a line signal, bass is enhanced while treble is reduced (known as the RIAA Equalization process).
Is Phono Stage the Same as Phono Preamp?
The iFi Zen Phono, a mid-range phono highly esteemed by the vinyl community.
The circuitry of the Zen Phono mentioned above features capacitors from TDK, Panasonic, with a ROM chip to store profiles for each gain level, suitable for various cartridges. The power filtering section also incorporates an L-C-R filter circuit for clean, immersive sound.
Phono stage and phono preamp are one. However, when a device is called a preamp, it may not necessarily be a phono preamp; it could be a microphone preamp, analog preamp, etc. In a stereo setup, a preamp can include volume control, phono stage, and source selector. Such preamps have analog inputs, but only one analog output (line-out). This output is used to connect the preamp to the power amplifier. When the stereo amplifier and power amplifier are integrated, it is called an integrated amplifier or stereo receiver.Is Adding a Phono Stage Better than Using Integrated Phono in Turntable?
Depending on the quality of components in the entire system such as phono cartridge, record quality, cables, equipment integration, and even the preamp itself, they will each have a distinct impact on the overall sound quality. If the phono preamp is not compatible with the cartridge, its performance may not be optimal.
In practice, the RIAA Equalization process of a phono preamp to balance the bass/treble range for the recording undoubtedly enhances audio quality. This intervention process in sound tone necessitates the use of quality components to produce good sound. During this process, manufacturers will employ the same RIAA Equalization standard, but the components chosen by each manufacturer will differ, contributing to the unique sound characteristics of different brands.
The circuitry of the Simaudio Moon 310LP phono stage, found in high-end audio equipment, features a specially designed power supply block, noise suppression, high-quality amplifier, and RIAA circuits using high-quality components, with noise-canceling input ports. A typical example is its balanced output, compatible with both MM and MC cartridges.
The rear side of a turntable with an integrated phono stageIntegrated phono preamps, designed to work seamlessly with turntables, feature simpler circuitry compared to standalone phono stages. Although they may utilize components like capacitors, op-amps, circuit boards, and resistors, their integrated design ensures perfect compatibility with turntable cartridges, allowing for immediate music playback without worrying about system setup complexities.On the contrary, standalone phono stages are constructed with higher-grade components, resulting in superior sound quality. However, this quality comes at a higher cost and requires meticulous setup to achieve optimal compatibility with the system.For those on a tight budget or just entering the world of vinyl, an integrated phono preamp paired with a turntable may suffice initially. However, as one becomes more immersed in the realm of sound quality and seeks to upgrade, investing in a standalone phono stage becomes a worthy consideration.Distinguishing between MC (moving-coil) and MM (moving-magnet) phono stages
There are two types of phono stages tailored for MC and MM cartridges, although there are also phono stages compatible with both MM and MC cartridges (with a switch to toggle between the two modes).MC cartridges produce extremely low signal voltages, typically around 0.2mV, whereas MM cartridges generate signal voltages ranging from 3mV to 8mV. Despite this difference, both MC and MM signals require RIAA Equalization to be converted into line-level signals. Due to the lower output voltage of MC cartridges compared to MM, phono stages for MC operation typically require more amplification.Currently, MM phono stage products are much more common than MC ones, so it's important to double-check before purchasing to avoid confusion.
Colibri Grand Cru MC CartridgeThe main differences between MC and MM phono stages include:- MC phono stages typically boast higher gain to compensate for the smaller signal output compared to MM cartridges.
- MC phono stages often exhibit lower background noise and tend to offer a distinct bright sound signature (stemming from the design of MC needles, which oscillate faster due to the absence of magnets attached to the stylus tail, as found in MM needles).
- MC and MM phono stages differ in input impedance to match the respective output impedance levels. MM is usually set at 47k ohms, while MC varies depending on the needle type. Phono stages with multiple impedance settings for MC needles offer more versatility and ease of future upgrades.
- MC phono stages require gain and input impedance adjustments to meet the demands of each MC cartridge. MM phono stages do not require this operation, making them easier to set up.
