On your quest to find the best turntable, you might come across some models with built-in preamps included.
If you’ve learned anything from this website and our guide on choosing a turntable, we can tell you these preamps aren’t worth it — the quality is usually worse than standard audio inputs on most devices.
In fact, most of the time, manufacturers will use this as a marketing trick to make their product seem better than it actually is.
Hence we present you with some of the best turntables with built-in preamp.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
1. Frequency Response:
A preamp is used to boost certain frequencies of your audio recording so that they are audible enough to be heard on the speaker or headphones. Although this may sound like it is doing something good, it can sometimes have an adverse effect on your recording.
A good preamp will typically have a frequency response between 10Hz and 50kHz. Hardly any turntables come with that kind of range though, so you should avoid products with an ultra-narrow response rate if possible.
2. Gain:
Gain is basically how much your headphone or speaker will increase in volume when the preamp is turned on. If you turn the gain all the way up, it will be loud enough to blow out your ears, and you might even damage your equipment in the long run — we’ve seen this happen often.
Most pro audio equipment comes with a feature that limits this feature so that high amounts of gain can’t be applied to an audio recording. Unfortunately, most turntables don’t have this feature and their built-in preamps can easily blow out your speakers or headphones if you aren’t careful.
3. Inputs:
Some devices come with an input which allows you to easily use it for recording audio when the preamp isn’t turned on. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and some devices can be real trouble when it comes to using them for recording music.
A good quality turntable should come with at least two 3.5mm inputs in order to be able to use it in different ways, one for normal things like listening and one which can be used for recording audio.
5 Best Turntables with Built-In Preamp:
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1. Audio-Technica at-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black, Hi-Fidelity, Plays 33 -1/3 and 45 RPM Vinyl Records, Dust Cover, Anti-Resonance (Renewed)
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The Audio-Technica at-LP60XBT-BK Fully Automatic Bluetooth Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable is a great choice for anyone looking to get into the world of vinyl records. Featuring a built in phono pre amplifier, pitch control, 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, adjustable pitch control, detachable ceramic cartridge with removable stylus, built in stereo speakers with playback speed control and pitch control buttons the LP 60 is the perfect entry level turntable.
This all in one design make it great for beginners eager to listen to their favorite records again or audiophiles who are looking for a secondary setup to stream their vinyl collection through their home audio systems without all the hassle of wires.
Pros:
- This turntable allows you to easily remove the stylus and cartridge for cleaning or replacement.
- Since it has a built in amplifier, you can easily bypass the pre-amp if you wish.
- The high quality wooden platter and detachable cartridge give this product a great value even at its price point.
Cons:
- The downside to this product is that although it does come with warranty, for some reason it doesn’t cover the AC power adapter.
2. Sony PS-LX310BT Belt Drive Turntable: Fully Automatic Wireless Vinyl Record Player with Bluetooth and USB Output Black
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The Sony PS-LX310BT allows you to start listening to your favorite records or spinning them into digital tracks with just the push of a button. This high fidelity turntable features USB output so you can easily transfer all of your favorite songs to your computer.
It also features Bluetooth technology so you can listen wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled device. The USB output allows you to listen to your vinyl collection through other speakers or headphones.
Pros:
- This turntable plays 33 and 45 RPM vinyl with ease.
- This turntable will allow you to play your vinyl collection directly through your computer speakers or with wireless Bluetooth operation.
- The automatic belt drive system adds another level of premium quality to this product.
Cons:
- Internet buyers often complain about how this brand likes to send out old models packed in poor packing materials instead of new products packed in good packing materials.
3. Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable (Analog & USB), Fully Manual, Hi-Fi, 3 Speed, Convert Vinyl to Digital, Anti-Skate and Variable Pitch Control Black
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The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB-BK Direct-Drive Turntable is a quality addition to your vinyl collection. This direct drive turntable features a built in amplifier and USB output so you can easily transfer all of recordings from the device to your computer.
It also features two built in speakers that produce excellent sound quality. The belt drive system works well with this product as it provides a smooth and quiet record playback experience.
Pros:
- The included AC power adapter is a welcomed feature as well as the Bluetooth technology which allows you to play music from other devices using the receiver found on the product.
- This turntable features a built in preamp which makes it easy to record your vinyl collection directly to your computer or other device.
- This product is compatible with most other Audio Technica cartridges as well as any other brand of cartridge.
Cons:
- Some users report that this product’s volume control is not very durable and may break after a few uses.
4. Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable, Black
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The Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK is a high quality turntable that pairs well with any home theater system thanks to the included phono pre amplifier. The built in speakers are not sub-par at all and will produce nice full sound that will enhance your listening pleasure.
This product also features a USB output so you can easily transfer all of your favorite songs directly from the device to your computer at home or work. The Bluetooth feature allows you to use the device wirelessly with almost any compatible Bluetooth enabled device making this one of our top picks.
Pros:
- This turntable allows you to easily remove the cartridge for cleaning or replacement.
- This turntable is great for streaming your favorite vinyl collection directly into any Bluetooth enabled device.
- The belt drive system provides the best results out of any turntable on the market.
Cons:
- This turntable is not compatible with most Audio Technica cartridges.
5. REGA – Planar 1 Plus (Black)
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The Planar 1 Plus is a high quality turntable that includes digital inputs so you can easily connect to your home theater system. This turntable also features Bluetooth technology so you can use it with other devices or stream your vinyl collection via your laptop using the included phono pre amplifier.
The Planar 1 Plus also features built in speakers which produce superb sound quality thanks to their large size and great performance. The removable cartridge allows for easy cartridge replacement and cleaning procedures which are not needed often thanks to this product’s automatic belt-drive system.
Pros:
- Compatible with most Audio Technica cartridges as well as many others.
- This turntable features a built in phono preamp which allows you to stream records from your vinyl collection directly to your home theater system.
- The built in speakers provide excellent sound quality.
Cons:
- This turntable is not compatible with internet buyers who report that this brand uses poor packing materials when sending out a newer model of this product in a plastic bag instead of a cardboard box.
Conclusion:
Although it’s true that even the best turntables won’t be able to produce sound that matches that of a high end audio speaker system or complete home theater installation, they still add something special to any vinyl collection.
Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll want to look for a turntable that can play vinyl records at various speeds including 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. This way you can play any record in your collection.
Also, it’s important to find a turntable that includes multiple input options for inputting music from other sources. Although most turntables are compatible with your home stereo system, it doesn’t hurt to have the option of listening to music otherwise.
FAQ:
Q: How do you hook up preamp to turntable?
A: The turntable itself A preamp (it can be external or internal) An amplifier or receiver Speakers.
Q: Do all turntables need a pre-amp?
A: It must have a pre-amp in it to provide proper line-out signals. What you do need somewhere for a turntable is an equalizer that compensates/undoes the intentional skew of the signals pressed into vinyl records. That means you need a pre-amp with input channels specifically equipped to put the signals back to normal.
Q: Do you need a preamp for your turntable?
A: You will need a standalone preamp for your turntable if a preamp is not built into your turntable or amplifier/receiver. And even if a preamp is included in your turntable or amplifier, a popular option is to upgrade to a standalone preamp of higher quality than the built-in one to increase the sound quality.
Q: Do I need an amplifier for my turntable?
A: Yes. A turntable must be connected to an amplifier as the output signal is not strong enough to drive speakers. However, there is an exception as a lot of record players have pre-amplifiers built-in already.