Owners of a turntable know how satisfying it can be to listen to audio coming from a good turntable model connected to a HiFi stereo system worthy of the name.
A good Hi-Fi amplifier is able to take the sound to a higher level, even improving the perception of individual musical instruments, and reducing noise, not to mention that many amplifiers are equipped with a Bluetooth connection and other outputs that allow you to connect them to other music devices.
However, it is good to make a distinction between amplifier and preamplifier: you will need to focus on the latter if you want to connect your turntable to a pair of powered speakers while choosing an amplifier.in case you want to connect it to a pair of passive speakers.
In practice, we can simplify by saying that if your purpose is to connect your turntable to two active speakers, that is, which have an integrated amplification system, such as Bluetooth speakers or other models that do not have a phono connection, what you need is a preamplifier.
If, on the other hand, you want to create a real traditional Hi-Fi system, with passive speakers, it is better to focus on an amplifier.
There are also two types of amplifiers: the tube amplifiers, less common and usually more expensive because they are more demanding as regards sound quality, and the solid-state ones., which are the largest category on the market, which in turn are divided into different classes; the most popular is the class AB ones, although lately class D and T amplifiers are also making their rise on the market.
It is also important to be clear about the intended use of it and to check the presence of the input ports to connect other input sources such as CD player, TV, or network player.
To help you choose, here are the best turntable amps to buy today, solid-state, tube, and phono preamps, in different price ranges.
1. Marantz PM6007
The best amplifier for turntables and hi-fi systems
The Marantz PM6007 is the best turntable amplifier of 2021 and is the ideal amplifier for playing instrumental pieces, with guitar solos reproduced in all their nuances, and piano melodies gaining more character, color and clarity.
The PM6007 is a phono input amplifier, so it doesn’t need anything else to connect the turntable. The input sensitivity of the MM integrated phono preamplifier is 2.2 mV / 47 kOhm, and the signal-to-noise ratio is 83 dB.
For those who often use it with the turntable to listen to types of vinyl, there is the very useful “source direct” function which bypasses the integrated circuits to deliver a cleaner and more faithful signal. The amplifier is able to reproduce high-level audio, balanced, warm and solid, especially as regards the medium frequencies.
In addition, it features two optical inputs and one digital coaxial input, 4 RCA line audio inputs, two pairs of gold-plated speaker terminals with bi-wiring capability, pre-out for the subwoofer, and remote control.
Its versatility also makes it suitable to be combined in a hi-fi system, also thanks to the double optical input that allows you to connect other components such as the streamer or the TV. For these digital sources, we also find a DACintegrated quality (the AK4490), which works at 192 kHz / 24-bit.
The output power is 45 Watts RMS into 8 ohms, or 60W into 4 ohms, the frequency response is 10-70.000Hz and the harmonic distortion of 0.008%.
It is the best-integrated amplifier for value for money and is very well suited for hi-fi systems consisting of turntables and other components.
- Absence of Bluetooth
- Absence of a USB port
2. Denon PMA-800NE
Amplifier compatible with both MM and MC cartridges
The Denon PMA-800NE is the best amplifier for turntable users using both MM and MC styluses. This model is in fact equipped with an integrated Phono equalizer capable of accepting both a Moving Magnet and Moving Coil signal, with technical specifications dedicated to vinyl lovers.
When used with MM cartridges, the input sensitivity is 2.5 mV / 47 kΩ / kohms, while with MC cartridges the sensitivity is 200 μV / 100 Ω / ohms. The signal-to-noise ratio on MM is 84dB while on MC it is 71dB. Total harmonic distortion is 0.01%.
The sound is very detailed, with excellent balance and power output which can satisfy most Hi-Fi home stereos. In fact, we find compatibility with high-efficiency speakers for Hi-End systems, and 50W RMS wattage per channel (total 100 Watt output) if used on an 8-ohm impedance. While on 4 ohms the RMS power is 85W per channel.
The presence of the Analog Mode and Source Direct functions is excellent, the first is to use the amplifier purely in analog, without using any integrated digital circuit, the second is to bypass the tones and the internal manipulation of the signal. For vinyl and hi-fi lovers, these are options that are handy to have on the amp’s front panel.
In addition, to use with turntables, for integration into a Hi-Fi system with CD player, TV and streamer, the Denon PMA-800NE is able to accept digital inputs from the optical ports (we find three of them) and from the coaxial port. There is support for PCM signals up to 192 kHz / 24-bit.
- No USB port
- No Bluetooth
3. Nobsound MS-10D MKII
The best tube amplifier for turntables
The Nobsound MS-10D MKII is a tube turntable amplifier complete with bluetooth and USB options for listening to music from various audio sources.
Not only does it produce a warm quality sound, but it is also good value for money, recommended for those who want to try the tube experience.
The output is 25 Watts per channel and the impedance is from 4 to 16 ohms. There are four tubes, obviously interchangeable, to experiment with the sound and try out different options.
To connect the turntable, we will need to have an external phono preamp, to be purchased separately, as this amp does not have a built-in PHONO. There are two RCA pairs, to connect two analog sources at the same time.
It is also possible to connect a smartphone to Bluetooth, to listen to music streaming through the heat of the tubes. On the front we find the USB input to play mp3, WAV and FLAC files.
- PHONO input is missing
4. Denon PMA600NE
The ideal turntable amplifier for analog listening
The Denon PMA600NE is a good turntable amplifier, equipped with DAC, Bluetooth receiver and sub output, ideal for music enthusiasts who want to ensure analog listening without any interference and who want to build their first Hi-Fi system in two. channels.
In fact, the Analog Mode allows you to turn off the Bluetooth receiver and all the digital circuits at the same time to obtain the maximum purity from listening to the 4 + 1 analog inputs, thus excluding any possibility of noise and interference during playback.
Related to this mode, there is also the Stop Mode function of the integrated microprocessor, able to stop all activities when they are not needed for music playback, avoiding the creation of unwanted noises.
Texas Instruments PCM5141 DAC takes care of the digital-to-analog conversion and supports sample rates up to 192 kHz / 24-bit.
The amplifier allows the reproduction of vinyl and high-resolution audio, and thanks to the built-in phono equalizer, it allows deep low frequencies and detailed highs.
The Denon PMA-600NE integrated amplifier is compatible with the widest range of speakers and impedances for operational stability and is supported by Denon amplification technology that delivers 70 Watts of power per channel (4 ohms, 1kHz, THD 0, 7%).
The Denon PMA600NE features four analog inputs on RCA, a Phono MM (Moving Magnet) input, a coaxial digital input, two optical inputs, the output for connecting a subwoofer, Bluetooth, and a headphone output on the front.
- Some plastic knobs
- Non-removable power supply cable
5. Pioneer A-40-E
The ideal turntable amplifier for both digital and analog
The Pioneer A-40-E is an integrated stereo amplifier that incorporates the new Direct Energy technology, which pursues a high signal-to-noise ratio to reproduce overwhelming and realistic audio.
It has a Direct Function amplification capable of bypassing the other circuits except for volume one, thus ensuring pure audio suitable above all for listening to musical content.
The internal structure features a special shape that has no parallel sides inside it, to prevent cavity resonance, favoring clearer sound reproduction.
There are two sets of speaker outputs that can be used singly or in parallel, and you won’t need to worry about outside noise because these outputs are made from non-magnetic materials.
The Pioneer A-40-E features both a phono input terminal for connecting a turntable and digital and coaxial inputs for connecting your TV or other audio players. It also supports High-Resolution Audio, as it is capable of processing sample rates up to 192kHz.
The volume knob is made of aluminum, like the front panel.
It is capable of delivering 76W per channel with the Pioneer Direct Energy output, which has been designed to operate with low power consumption but for high efficiency.
- Some supporting musical instruments may not play perfectly
6. Cambridge Audio AXA35
Analog amplifier with exceptional sound character
The Cambridge Audio AXA35 is a value-for-money integrated amplifier with phono input that can also connect to other analog devices as well as the turntable. It features a remarkable tonal balance and offers a respectable Hi-Fi experience. We recommend it for those who have a stereo system that is not excessively powerful and is to be used with passive speakers that can manage 35W per channel into 4 ohms.
This Hi-Fi amplifier offers compatibility with MM cartridges via the Phono input, then there are 4 RCA inputs for other analog inputs such as a CD player or an external DAC.
The sound generated is of appreciable quality, with precise timing and separation of the instrument’s music without creating confusion in listening to even complicated songs. The mid-frequency range is decidedly expressive, which is especially noticeable in the sung parts or solos of a jazz record.
The design is also very pleasant, with a modern appearance, not very intrusive, but with a certain presence. The Cambridge Audio AXA35 offers a simple and intuitive interface, with a single front knob (the one for the volume) and a few buttons for selecting the input and the menu. There is a convenient headphone port with a 6.35mm jack, for listening to discs with headphones, and a mini-jack port for auxiliary input.
The lack of tone control, frankly, isn’t very relevant. The amplifier still does a great job even without touching the treble and bass balance. If this is really a necessity, the option is available through the menu.
- No Bluetooth
- Poorly finished remote control
- Absence of digital inputs
7. Yamaha A-S201BL
Good value for money vinyl amplifier
The Yamaha A-S201 is one of the best budget turntable amplifiers, it has a power of 100W and is equipped with an integrated Phono preamp, with a good quality sound output.
The integration of Natural Sound technology guarantees a very full sound, characterized by clear and open notes, and if we use it to listen to vinyl records we will be able to appreciate its capabilities.
The Pure Direct mode allows you to listen to the sound in a pure way directly from the sound source, without intermediate stops, minimizing noise and sound distortions.
It is equipped with Stand By mode which starts automatically when not in use, allowing you to set this energy-saving function according to your habits.
The amplifier body is made of high-quality brushed steel, making the design of the Yamaha A-S201 elegant and smooth, particularly pleasing to the eye despite the compactness given by its dimensions (43.5 x 33.3 x 14.1 cm for 6.7 kg).
The amplifier can be managed perfectly remotely via the remote control, in a simple and intuitive way even for beginners.
- No digital audio input
- Plastic volume knob
- It only manages 2.1 plants
8. Madison MAD-TA10BT
Tube amplifier for turntables with a warm and natural sound
The Madison MAD-TA10BT tube amplifier can be recommended for those who are new to tube amps: the bass is very full-bodied, while for those with a trained ear they might feel that the highs could be improved; in any case, the overall feeling is excellent.
The sound produced is very clean, and the Hi-Fi technology ensures its naturalness, supported by the sensitivity of 83 decibels, which results in a warm and almost perfect sound, making the Madison MAD-TA10BT one of the best entry-level tube amplifiers.
It is a hybrid tube amplifier, where the tubes act as a preamp stage, and they have not been inserted only for aesthetics, and their replacement will also result in different sound reproduction. The valves have a capacity of 2 x 6N1 and 2 x 6P1.
The Madison MAD-TA10BT tube amplifier has a power of 25W for each of the two channels and features a very intuitive retro design control panel, which allows you to control the volume and the treble and bass.
Its power level doesn’t make it suitable for overly large spaces, but it does quite well in small to medium rooms.
Its dimensions are equal to 26.8 x 30 x 13.7 cm for a weight of 4 kg. It has inputs for CD, DVD and LINE, a USB input and support for Bluetooth technology.
- Absence of phono input
- Not optimal power
Related: Best Tube Amplifiers for Hi Fi
9. Dynavox CS-PA1
Mini amplifier for passive speakers
We can recommend the Dynavox CS-PA1 as an inexpensive turntable amplifier. It has a power output of 25W for the two channels, a frequency range from 20Hz up to 30kHz, and features an integrated on / off switch. On the control panel, there are LED indicators that make it easier to use, especially for beginners.
Despite its small size (180 x 140 x 65 mm) and its weight of only 2 kg, the Dynavox CS-PA1 is a decent low-cost product designed for those who are creating a small home Hi-Fi system with turntables.
However, note that you will also need to purchase an external phono preamp, as this amp does not have a built-in PHONO input.
The Dynavox CS-PA1 mini amplifier allows you to control the bass and adjust the treble, and has a fairly low wattage but proves more than enough to listen to the music of any musical genre without too many problems in small to medium rooms.
The reproduced sound is quite powerful throughout the volume range. For certain songs, it is then possible to activate the 3D mode using the appropriate button, for an even more immersive listening experience.
Aesthetically, the structure is metallic, as are the buttons and knobs, but it is the golden RCA signal connectors and the headphone jacks that add aesthetically interesting details.
- Not optimal power
- Integrated PHONO absent
- The speakers can produce small interference
The tonal balance of the audio tends to warm, highlighting the low and medium-low frequencies, making it possible to rebalance the typical sounds of many inexpensive cartridges, making listening enjoyable even for long periods of time.
The Pro-Ject Phono BOX MM mini amplifier, however, may have some difficulty in reproducing energetic and dynamic songs due to a general slowness that does not allow sudden reproduction.
The output power is 1 W, while the signal is in 82-decibel format. It is made of light-shielded metal, which protects the device from electromagnetic interference, has a rather resonant cover.
The small size of 10.5 x 7.5 x 3 cm allows it to be positioned next to the turntable, to improve the quality of the audio produced.
The Pro-Ject Phono BOX MM is switchable between MM and MC and features a dual mono build that’s very difficult to find in devices in this price range.
It is recommended to use it with good quality interconnection cables to be inserted in the two pairs of RCA connectors for input and output. It is also equipped with a ground terminal.
- The low audio quality of dynamic songs