Stand out phono stages

Sure takes ARC a LOT of tries to get it right. No offense Oregonpapa---I have a PH myself (not an 8, though).

Jwilsco---A more complete and detailed explanation is that sources other than a record player (turntable/tonearm/cartridge) have an output voltage of 1 to two volts, commonly. The non-phono inputs on a pre-amp/integrated amp/receiver provide about 15 to 20 dB of gain (to amplify that output from non-phono sources), to drive the power amp (or amp section of an integrated or receiver) to full output.

The output voltage from a phono cartridge is far lower than from other sources, ranging from 0.02 mV (from the lowest-output moving-coil cartridges) to about 5mV (from the highest-output moving-magnet and moving-coil types). To amplify that smaller signal to the same level as other inputs, the pre-amp must provide far higher gain (40 to 60dB, or even more). All of that gain requires the phono amplification be of very low noise, as any present will be amplified along with the signal. It's a demanding job!

In addition, the RIAA Tbg mentioned is part of the phono system (too technical to go into here), and is also accomplished in the phono amp. Phono stages used to be included in all pre-amps, but many pre-amps today are for non-phono sources only (that kind of pre-amp is called a line-stage), and stand-alone phono amps are common. Whether stand-alone or included in a full function pre-amp, integrated amp, or receiver, the phono amp/section does the same job. It's just a matter of getting a phono amp/stage that has the appropriate gain for your phono cartridge's requirements.

Oops---it should read "(from the highest-output moving-magnet and moving-iron types)", not moving-coil.