Best Audio Component Preamplifiers in 2022

Last update: January 7, 2023

Are powered speakers better than passive?

There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors. Powered speakers are typically more expensive than passive speakers, but they offer a number of advantages. Powered speakers are easier to set up and use, and they offer more flexibility in terms of placement. They also tend to provide better sound quality, as the amplifier is designed specifically for the speaker. However, passive speakers can be a good option if you are on a budget or if you already have an amplifier that you are happy with.

Are preamplifiers necessary?

Preamplifiers are devices used to boost the signal from a low-level source to a higher level, making it easier to drive a power amplifier. While preamplifiers are not strictly necessary, they can be very helpful in achieving optimal audio quality. If you have a high-quality source component and an amplifier that can't produce enough power to drive your speakers to their full potential, a preamplifier can be a worthwhile investment.

Can I plug active speakers into an amp?

Yes, you can plug active speakers into an amp. Active speakers have their own power source, so they don't need an external power source. However, you may need an adapter to connect the active speakers to the amp.

Can you use a headphone amp as a preamp?

No, a headphone amp cannot be used as a preamp. A headphone amp is designed to amplify audio signals to drive headphones, while a preamp is designed to boost audio signals to be sent to a power amplifier. Headphone amps typically have lower power output than preamps, making them unsuitable for use as a preamp.


Puffin Phono DSP phono preamp from Parks Audio for all vinyl systems Review:


Let me first clarify that I am not an audiophile; I am simply a man who enjoys hearing music with pristine clarity. I've experimented with numerous preamps, including NAD, Cambridge, UTURN Audio, and a few more. Finally, I decided to attempt something a little more sophisticated, so I began looking into higher quality preamps. I visited audio stores and heard a few with setups identical to mine, but oh, were they expensive! I saw some reviews for it while browsing the web, and because the price was reasonable and it sounded like it may be right up my alley, I decided to wait until they were once again in stock before ordering one. It arrived yesterday, and today I set it up. I've read a review on here from a person who said the sound gave him chills, and I experienced the same thing. I have no words to adequately express how lovely the music is. It's really simple to simply play around with this great thing and have fun. You can modify it a little bit here, a little bit there, or just run it straight up. Here is my system: a project carbon premiere turntable with an updated Ortofon bronze cart, a NAD 356 integrated amp, focal chorus floor speakers, whafedale diamond 225 bookshelf speakers, etc. a Puffin phono preamp is now included. Shannon, Whether or not you read these reviews, THANK YOU!



Fosi Audio P1 Tube Pre-Amplifier Mini Hi-Fi Stereo Buffer Preamp 6K4 Valve & Vacuum Pre-amp with Treble & Bass Tone Control for Home Theater System Review:


My Onkyo TX-8270 receiver includes a Zone 2 line output for independent speaker and amplifier sends. For that Zone 2 audio send that goes to a speaker switching system, I utilize a Russound P75 2-Channel 75-watt amplifier. I can use our main living room as my primary audio space and still individually adjust the output and level of each of our speaker pairs thanks to this (master bedroom, office, garage, and outside deck). The setup is excellent, however I have to say that the sound coming from all of those extra speakers is really flat. It should come as no surprise since the signal is just being amplified at line level without any preamplifier tone control. The identical problem was present with our Audio Technica turntable, which had a lot lower loudness and a somewhat duller quality than the Spotify feed to the receiver. So, to summarize, I purchased two of these Fosi Tube Preamps (one for the turntable, and one for the separate amplifier for Zone 2). WOW! To make everything balanced and sound the same, they gave me more preamp tone shaping options in addition to more turntable volume. I'm happy with the great warm sound it added! I will admit that some reviews I read claimed that the GE 5654W Tubes (I believe they were the ones) were far better than the ones that came with the Fosi device. For each unit, I therefore bought a set of those (4 tubes total). I only used these higher-quality GE tubes when I set up the system, and I noticed right away that one speaker sounded fantastic while the other was barely audible. I replaced it with the other Fosi Preamp because I believed it to be a defective unit (luckily I bought 2). No, the same thing took place. I replaced the tubes with the second set of GE tubes, but the problem persisted. The speaker, which was hardly heard, changed when I switched the unit's left and right tubes. Interesting. Both GE tube sets and both units experienced this. I then tried using the Fosi unit's original tubes, and it immediately came to life and sounded fantastic via both speakers! I have no idea what went wrong with those GE tubes, but they did not function on this preamp the way they had for other reviews. Other than that, I can say it significantly enhanced my external speaker system and stereo sound for vinyl—exactly what I wanted them for!



GOgroove Mini Phono Turntable Preamp Preamplifier with 12 Volt AC Adapter, RCA Input for Vinyl Record Player - Compatible with Audio Technica, Crosley, Jensen, Pioneer, 1byone and More Turntables Review:


After some Google searching, I realized I needed a preamp for the record player I borrowed from a friend, so I ordered this little guy. Obviously not being the type of guy to purchase the cheapest item on Amazon, I chose the second-cheapest choice.This item takes up very little space on my already crowded entertainment center, which is fantastic given it is so tiny.The RCA wires were plugged in, the ground wire was fastened with a small screw, and then an RCA to aux cable was taken and attached up to the soundbar/sub and switched on. Worked right away. Because I'm a macho man and the music is pleasant and warm but sharp, I'm currently listening to Pure Heroine by Lorde. A really clean and excellent sound, free of any extraneous noise or distortion. I can now boast that I only listen to my three records on vinyl since there is something warm and analog about vinyl.However, this really does function precisely as advertised, so I would strongly suggest it. We'll see how it holds up, but right now it's doing a great job of clearing traffic. 5.5 out of 5 stars.



GOgroove Phono Preamp Pro Preamplifier with RCA Input/Output, DIN Connection, RIAA Equalization, 12V AC Adapter - Compatible with Vinyl Record Players, Turntables, Stereos, DJ Mixers Review:


After some Google searching, I realized I needed a preamp for the record player I borrowed from a friend, so I ordered this little guy. Obviously not being the type of guy to purchase the cheapest item on Amazon, I chose the second-cheapest choice.This item takes up very little space on my already crowded entertainment center, which is fantastic given it is so tiny.The RCA wires were plugged in, the ground wire was fastened with a small screw, and then an RCA to aux cable was taken and attached up to the soundbar/sub and switched on. Worked right away. Because I'm a macho man and the music is pleasant and warm but sharp, I'm currently listening to Pure Heroine by Lorde. A really clean and excellent sound, free of any extraneous noise or distortion. I can now boast that I only listen to my three records on vinyl since there is something warm and analog about vinyl.However, this really does function precisely as advertised, so I would strongly suggest it. We'll see how it holds up, but right now it's doing a great job of clearing traffic. 5.5 out of 5 stars.



Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp - Mini Electronic Audio Stereo Phonograph Preamplifier with RCA Input, RCA Output & Low Noise Operation Powered by 12 Volt DC Adapter - PP999 Review:


You will need something like this if your turntable doesn't have a built-in preamp (which many older models lack), unless your receiver has a phonograph input (which many modern models lack). A phono preamp can cost thousands of dollars, although it is not necessary. Those are for audiophiles, a peculiar and polarizing group. You probably won't notice too much of a difference between those and something less expensive unless you've also spent thousands on your receiver and speakers. And let's face it, the only thing a preamp does is increase the phono signal to line level without altering it. If you wish to alter the sound in any manner, do it somewhere else.The preamp within my turntable is there, but I wanted something that would sound better than the default equipment. This performs its duty admirably. It couldn't be easier to connect; just plug your turntable into the preamp's input and the output of the preamp into your receiver. You can now proceed after inserting the preamp's AC adapter into the wall outlet. To prevent a buzz in the audio stream, connect your turntable's ground wire to the preamp's 12V GND terminal if it has one. The most recent version of this preamp DOES, in fact, contain a ground terminal with a convenient thumbscrew for convenience of use! If you obtain an older model without the terminal, you can secure the ground wire under one of the case screws by loosening the screw.Therefore, the price is reasonable, the performance is excellent, and setup is simple. If you register the equipment, Pyle also offers a 1-year warranty, and if the product lasts that long, I believe it won't break down for at least a few more years. But do you know what I consider to be the best aspect? Power LED is not present. In order to increase apparent value, many of the less expensive, pocket-sized products like this frequently contain a blindingly bright LED that is always on. The majority of critics appear to concur with my assessment that it's merely annoying. Something as low-key as a preamp shouldn't have bright lights blazing out of it, especially on hardware that can't be turned off without unplugging it. The fact that Pyle chose not to waste their money or our money on such silliness deserves praise. If I had to, I would be ready to pay MORE for a preamp without a power LED.Overall, if all you need is a way to connect your turntable, and you don't want to spend a fortune on a solution, this is a fantastic product for you!



Pyle Phono Turntable Preamp - Mini Electronic Audio Stereo Phonograph Preamplifier with RCA Input, RCA Output & Low Noise Operation Powered by 12 Volt DC Adapter (PP444) Review:


So far, so excellent. Perfect item, no buzzing [Are you guys sure you're attaching your amp's chassis or even simply this preamp's small thumbscrew to your turntable's ground wire? Ignoring that step will definitely result in hum] but if that were to change, I'd update this review. I use Pyle's other micro preamp, which is black and a few dollars less expensive, and connect it to the setup at my office at work every day. It has always been flawless and dependable, so I'm hoping the same for this one. The black one's grounding thumb-screw was difficult to connect with the turntable's bare ground because there is nowhere for the screw to bite into the wire. I had to add a small connector to the end to ensure a good connection because if you try that method, the bare wire will come loose from the thumb-screw. The thumbscrew on this silver turntable was so tight that I had to use pliers just to loosen it. It also has a smooth screw and surface that prevents it from biting into the grounding wire. However, that turntable already had one end crimped onto the grounding wire, so the thumb screw is securely holding that in place. Because I own so many turntables, I'd definitely buy it again.



Pro-Ject Phono Box MM DC Phonograph Preamplifier,Black Review:


Although there are better phono stages available, this one is great considering the cost. Additionally, I needed a tiny item that could fit beneath my turntable. I wish I had the space to get a bigger unit, but I simply do not. To replace the phono stage in my Integra Receiver, I purchased this. Too analytical and etched is the Integra phono stage. This phono stage is a lot more mellow and melodious. This is what ought to have been delivered inside the Integra. The Pro-Ject isn't terrible for the price, but I wish it had a more extended top end and a deeper sound stage. Voices could be a touch more forward, but I've also heard laid-back voices on 1K tube phono stages previously, so some things are just a matter of personal preference. I really like the sound of the saxophone and electric guitar on this unit. It also has a low noise floor and is well-grounded. Many cheap phono pre amps have the drawback of picking up EMI easily, which leads to the development of background static or hum. As a result, they must be separated in some way or you will have to put up with low level static or hum. This appliance is quite silent. It's not horrible overall and is simple to listen to. A Project The Classic Turntable with an Ortofon 2M Bronze phono cartridge was also used. Additionally, I switched the Pro-Ject phono stage's leather mat for one made entirely of cork, which improved the sound quality. While the Pro-Ject sounded best with cork, the Integra sounded best with leather. It's a good idea to keep a wide variety of mats on hand because changing a cartridge, phono stage, wires, etc. will all have a distinct affect and mats are one method to adjust the sound to your preferences.



Pro-Ject Audio - Phono Box DC - MM/MC Phono preamp with line Output - Blk Review:


This tiny gadget is ideal if you require a separate phono preamp to connect your turntable to an amplifier, active speaker system, receiver, or computer. I used a Techniques MK 1200 II turntable, a Grado Premier 2Z cartridge, and a set of Bose computer speakers back then. :-) I wanted to start listening to my vinyl, but my wonderful turntable setup was gathering dust in the closet. The important thing to note here is that the outcomes were exactly the same even though I now have a far better set of powered loudspeakers to replace the Bose.Prior to playing a record, I wasn't convinced everything was functioning when I first connected everything and plugged in the Phono Box. There is ABSOLUTELY NO BACKDROP NOISE, HUM, or HISS! NONE! Let's just say that when it comes to a Pyle preamp that I got from Amazon on discount, you definitely get what you paid for. terrible piece of garbage I was quite certain that getting something professional was the appropriate choice after playing my first record. Amazing and crystal clear sound was produced. I'm over the moon with this pre-amp. As I had previously indicated, the sound is now clearly much better because I have a better pair of loudspeakers connected. I'm quite delighted with this, so I strongly advise it!


Can you use a preamp without an amp?

A preamplifier (preamp) is an electronic amplifier that prepares a small signal for further amplification or processing. Without a preamp, the signal from your microphone would be too weak to be amplified effectively. A preamp boosts the signal so that it can be properly amplified by a power amplifier. You can use a preamp without an amplifier, but the signal will not be amplified and will only be as loud as the original signal.

Do I need a pre-amp for speakers?

No, you don't need a pre-amp for speakers. However, if you want to boost the signal from your source device, or if you have an impedance mismatch, then you might want to use a pre-amp.

Do preamps really make a difference?

Preamps are used to boost the signal from a low-level source, like a microphone, up to a level that can be processed by a mixer or amplifier. While some mixers have built-in preamps, outboard preamps offer a number of benefits, including greater flexibility and improved sound quality. Preamps generally fall into two categories: solid state and tube. Tube preamps use vacuum tubes to amplify the signal, while solid state preamps use transistors. Each type has its own distinct sound. Tube preamps tend to add warmth and character to the signal

Do you really need a tube amp?

There are many opinions out there about whether or not you need a tube amplifier. Some say that tube amps are essential for getting that warm, rich sound out of your guitar. Others say that solid state amps are just as good, if not better. So, what’s the truth? Here’s the thing: both tube amps and solid state amps have their pros and cons. Tube amps tend to be more expensive and require more maintenance, but they also have a reputation for sounding better. Solid state amps are usually more affordable and require less maintenance, but they don

Does a preamp boost volume?

A preamp is used to boost the signal from a low level to a high level, which is then sent to an amplifier. The preamp can be used to increase the volume, but it can also be used to change the sound in other ways. For example, a preamp can be used to add distortion, or to change the EQ of the signal.

How do I choose a preamp?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a preamp. The first is the type of music you will be playing. If you are a classical musician, you will need a different preamp than if you are a rock musician. The second thing to consider is the type of amplifier you have. If you have a solid state amplifier, you will need a different preamp than if you have a tube amplifier. Finally, you need to consider your budget. Preamps can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.