Ask any record collector why they do what they do, and the number one reason will be: the sound. While digital music is very convenient, the organic analogue sound of vinyl LPs just can't be beaten.
While it is possible to hear the difference with a minimalistic record player setup, the audio quality from a turntable setup with a dedicated amplifier opens the void between digital and analogue even further. Such a setup is highly appealing to any music fans, but for anyone brought up in the age of CDs, MP3s and Spotify (we count ourselves among this demographic), building a hi-fi system with a dedicated amplifier can be a daunting task.
There are many stereo and turntable amplifiers available with prices reaching into the thousands. While this is all well and good for collectors and connoisseurs, such price tags are out of reach for most. Thankfully many fantastic options are affordable - and it's these options that we’ve focussed on in this article.
Our choices will allow music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts to access brilliant, energetic and clear sound without breaking the bank. Read on for our picks of the best stereo amplifiers for turntables.
The best stereo amps for turntables shortlist:
• Marantz PM6007 Stereo Amp
• Denon PMA600NE Hi-Fi Amplifier
• Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Amplifier
• Fosi Audio TB10A Stereo Amplifier
• Tibo PA150 Mini Stereo Amplifier
Do I need an amplifier?
If you have a turntable, then yes, you need an amplifier. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to buy one. If you already have powered speakers, you’re good to go because these have a built-in amplifier. If you don’t have powered speakers, then yes, you need to keep on reading this article.
What does an amplifier do?
An amplifier does just that - it amplifies. The audio signal that comes out of a turntable isn’t strong because it has a low voltage. An amplifier takes this low voltage signal and gives it a huge boost. The resulting boosted signal sends it on through to the drivers of a speaker.
What is a preamp, and do I need one?
A preamp takes the phono signal from a turntable, corrects the tone and turns it into a line signal (sometimes called aux). This line signal then passes into an amplifier. You might not need to purchase a separate preamp, because one is often built into the turntable or an amplifier. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
What is A/B speaker output?
A/B speaker output allows you to have an amplifier switch its output between two sets of stereo speakers. There are a few ways that this can be used. One way is to set up speakers in different areas. For example, you can set the A output to speakers in your living room and your B output to some outdoor patio speakers, allowing you to listen to your favourite records in both locations. The feature can also be used to switch between sets of dedicated entertainment and music speakers or to sound test between different models and brands.
Note that A/B does not mean you are doubling your speaker output or listening in two places simultaneously. It is just a switch between two sets of speakers.
Related: The best bookshelf speakers | The best wired headphones
The best stereo amps for turntables
Marantz is a name of prestige, and the PM6007 is an excellent turntable amplifier that delivers 45W of stereo goodness. The audio is remarkable, full of energy, nuance and punch, and the in-built equalizer gives you space to fine-tune the experience. For added flexibility, the amp also has a subwoofer connection. The abundance of analogue and digital inputs means that the PM6007 can integrate into a comprehensive hi-fi system easily. For this price, it doesnu2019t get any better than this.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Excellent audio | • Expensive for newcomers |
| • Loads of connections | |
| • Equalizer |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Channels: | 2.1 (with A/B support) |
| Output: | 45W x2 stereo |
| Frequency: | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Inputs: | Phono x1, RCA x4, optical digital x2, coaxial x1 |
| Audio outputs: | Speakers, subwoofer |
The Denon PMA600NE is a well-featured and beautifully toned amplifier at a staggeringly good price. The amp provides 70W per channel, and the overall sound has a generous and clear soundstage. Bass can be given further presence with the addition of a subwoofer. Thereu2019s an onboard equaliser and the quality audio can be accessed by many digital and analogue devices thanks to the available connections, which includes Bluetooth. Listen on headphones via the u00bc-inch output.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Precise audio | • Expensive for newcomers |
| • Bluetooth | |
| • Equalizer |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Channels: | 2.1 |
| Output: | 70W x2 stereo |
| Frequency: | n/a |
| Inputs: | Phono x1, RCA x4, optical digital x2, coaxial x1, Bluetooth |
| Audio outputs: | Speakers |
The Sony STR-DH190 is a remarkable stereo amp for under £200, providing 100W of stereo audio. Though reasonably priced, Sony has managed to build an amp with detailed and energetic audio with a neutral tone that allows your media to be heard clearly. In addition to an input for your turntable, thereu2019s plenty of inputs for additional devices and Bluetooth support. Bass and treble can be controlled via the remote control.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clear and loud audio | • Less refined than more expensive options |
| • Good connections | |
| • Looks smart |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Channels: | 2.0 (with A/B support) |
| Output: | 100W x2 stereo |
| Frequency: | n/a |
| Inputs: | Phono x1, RCA x4, FM antenna, Bluetooth |
| Audio outputs: | Speakers (with A/B support) |
With a small footprint and an even smaller price tag, the Fosi Audio TB10A Mini Stereo Amplifier is a very respectable entry-level option. What isnu2019t small is that sound - it provides each channel with 100W, and additional bass and treble equalization. While the audio performance is less refined than with more expensive picks, the TB10A is a notable step up from the amps found in budget speakers. Itu2019s a really fun taste of what amplifiers can offer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Good quality audio | • Basic |
| • Sturdy build | |
| • Low fuss |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Channels: | 2.0 |
| Output: | 100W x2 stereo |
| Frequency: | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Inputs: | Phono x1 |
| Audio outputs: | Speakers |
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The Tibo PA150 is a powerful amplifier, offering 150W stereo audio. Its feature set is a pretty basic unit, with an RCA input and RCA or speaker output being about all it offers. However, the sound has plenty of volume and clarity to it. For a little more control over your tone, weu2019d recommend adding in an equaliser between the preamp and the amp.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Loud and clear | • Basic and limited applications |
| • Affordable | |
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Channels: | 2.1 |
| Output: | 150W x2 stereo |
| Frequency: | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Inputs: | Phono x1 |
| Audio outputs: | Speakers, RCA |
What's bass, midrange and treble?
Bass, midrange, and treble are sometimes referred to as lows, mids, and highs. These terms refer to the different sound frequencies found in audio.
Bass, or low, is the boomier sections of sound, the frequencies that people can most often 'feel' - bass drums are an example of low frequencies. Without bass, audio sounds very empty and 'tinny'. Too much bass and music can sound rumbly, overpowering, and wooly.
Midrange, or mid, is all the stuff that happens in the middle - guitars, vocals, and speech. Balancing this with bass really brings audio to life. If you struggle to hear vocals in music or conversation in podcasts, boosting the midrange can bring these out for you without having to play with volume.
Treble, or highs (hi), is the high frequencies. These are important for picking out details in audio, but if they are too high they can annoy and be painful to listeners.
William Lobley is a Senior Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology, gaming and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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