Overall, the iFi Audio Zen phono preamp parts work together to enable vinyl clarity and excellent imaging. Pros Some tests show that a slight amount of harmonic distortion is unavoidable though hardly noticeable. This is because current manufacturers make devices with small distortion specifications. Frequency Response This is a cost effective version of the Fono MM and based on the phono amplifier as used in the Brio- Ramplifier.

If you look for a good sounding and versatile preamp for life, for normal people budgets, this is one of the very best options out there. You can read more about this in our Is a Phono Stage the Same as a Preamp article. Do an expensive phono preamp sound better? We’re yet to find a product – phono stage or turntable – that sounds different through our speakers to its performance as a ripping tool, so the fact that the Fono Mini A2D doesn’t force its own character on your music makes it a pretty much ideal source for your digital library. Just as the Rega Fono Mini A2D MKII that I selected as the best preamp overall above, the Schiit Mani can be that preamp you invest in once and never ever have to upgrade. It has the quality to be your trusted preamp for your whole vinyl spinning life.

Listening

Furthermore, Rega works very well with turntables and amplifiers, producing bold and powerful strokes. All these are thanks to the well-timing and dynamics offered by MK3. Unsurprisingly, the balance is spot on, too. The iFi is willing to reach as high or low as your turntable asks it to, and treat each frequency with that same sympathy to tone and texture.

The level was higher than when plugged into the phono input on the (very expensive) home theatre receiver I was using, suggesting the Rega Fono Mini A2D has a higher gain than that receiver’s phono stage. (Gain is the word used for the amount by which a signal is amplified.) USB connection and level control There’s simply no overt colouration going on here, and that’s conducive to a great transfer of your vinyl to digital. If you find the appearance basic, the performance is going to blow your mind. Among its winning talents is the well-timing. Fono Mini A2D enhances music with passion and properly aligns beats making it unbeatable by its competition. Audio editing software includes a level meter which indicates the output level achieved when playing a piece of vinyl. You should adjust the output as necessary via the ‘Level’ control located on the front panel. Always take special note of record levels to ensure optimum recording quality. Firstly, it’s straightforward to set up and connect. Also, the unique Bluetooth connection is very convenient since you don’t need any long cable for connection. Better still, it’s easily recognizable by the system producing incredible sound.Firstly, a PHONO signal is much weaker than a LINE signal. A PHONO signal is typically 0.005 Volt and a LINE signal is typically 0.3 Volt. No, here’s why. A preamp doesn’t have enough power like an amplifier to boost the line signal loud enough to hear through the speakers. Final Word For a frequency response of 20 Hz–20 kHz, this turntable preamp offers a natural and defined rich sound profile. The Rega Fono Mini A2D looks after all that. It boosts the signal to the right level for normal analogue inputs. Then it applies what’s called the RIAA Equalization Curve to correct for those bass and treble manipulations. If you are looking for a great first tube phono preamp, I highly recommend that you save up until you can afford the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2.