If you try to play vinyl records on a stereo that does not include a phono preamp the music will be extremely low in volume and totally lack bass.
What does a preamp do for vinyl.
If you do need an external preamp you will need a set of cables usually rca cables to connect to your audio system.
Check out my 10 best phono preamps from 10 to 500 article if you need a preamp.
The cheapest preamp costs less than 50 the most expensive will cost over 500.
The preamplifier delivers a fantastic stereo phono stage and can be used with mm cartridges.
The preamp can be a standalone unit or integrated into the turntable or amplifier receiver.
Though the sound coming through the pro ject phono box is virtually indistinguishable from u turn s pluto the phono box does have an extra trick up its sleeve for more high end vinyl.
With the separate preamp you will also need to add a grounding wire from the turntable to the preamp and the preamp to the powered speakers to avoid any buzzing or humming noise.
It doesn t have to cost much to do a good job.
A basic preamp boosts the signal to an output of 300 mv.
You can achieve this setup with turntables that do not have a built in preamp or your turntable has a defeatable phono stage allowing you to bypass the built in preamp.
As you can see the preamp has a serious job to do and has a major impact on vinyl playback and how your record player performs.
Preamps have a wide range when it comes to build and sound quality.
If your turntable has a usb output it has a built in preamp.
But that does not necessarily mean that the phono preamp must be a separate box.