Will a phono preamp make my turntable sound better?

If you are using your turntable's built-in preamp, an external preamp typically provides noticeably cleaner, more detailed sound. It is one of the most impactful upgrades.

Do I need a phono preamp if my receiver has a phono input?

No. The phono input on your receiver has a built-in preamp. However, a dedicated external preamp often sounds better than the one in budget receivers.

Best Turntable Preamps 2026