Its job is to increase the signal output from the turntable to a standard line-level signal and provide necessary RIAA equalization.

The Rega Fono Mini A2D has been one of my trusted preamps for a long time and it never disappoints. It sounds warm and smooth with a muscular bass. Lively and engaging. In my testing, it has a bit more grunt than other preamps. It sounds fuller in the low-end. And warmer. Which are two traits I love about the Rega Fono Mini A2D. The unbeatable sound from MK3 airs from the speakers with reduced noise floor providing better clarity. Another impressive performance is the expanded dynamic range. 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?

Recording with the Rega Fono Mini A2D

Usually, the standard frequency for most audio products is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is bearable for humans.

If you’re a DJ, you should pay attention to the ease and convenience of carrying the turntable preamp to your countless gigs. Preferably, find a tiny one that fits with other equipment in the bag or get one that comes with its carrier bag.

How About Recording?

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. The Zen Phono is not bereft entirely of these talents, but it doesn’t snap in time or throw lines at us with the energy some deserve. We’re not exactly bored or left confused by the iFi’s performance, but we’d certainly trade some of that cleanliness for a little more feeling. Using the balanced output makes the presentation bigger and bolder, but doesn't change the phono stage's fundamental sonic character. In the early 1980’s the business moved to a more central location half way between Manchester and Liverpool at Kingsway North, Warrington, Cheshire and that’s where we are based to this day.

This a the same multi award winning product in a new updated restyled case to bring it in line with the restof the Rega range. When buying a phono stage, a compact and lightweight choice is ideal. There’s little to no space next to the turntable; hence, a tiny preamp would fit easily. I took the opportunity to record some LPs. Not for piracy purposes, but because I’m preparing to test some record cleaners. It worked like a dream. I plugged it into my Microsoft Surface Pro 4, started up my recording software, and fiddled around for a while with the volume control. There was plenty of gain, to the point where it was easy enough to push the recording meters into the red.Those looking to archive records digitally will enjoy the ease of use granted by the plug-and-play USB connectivity. I advise keeping the Fono Mini far away from potential interference sources such as power supplies and other HiFi components for the best performance when recording records. Having tested the unit on both of my turntables (A Pro-Ject X1 and a Technics SL1500C), it comfortably holds its own against more expensive phono preamp options.

A phono preamp, phono stage, or turntable preamp is an audio element for amplifying the signal from a turntable. This way, you can easily connect it to a modern sound system like an MP3 or CD player. You can read more about his in our Difference Between PHONO and LINE Explained article. What is the difference between MM and MC Phono Preamps Secondly, the lower tones (bass) of a PHONO signal is significantly reduced (RIAA equalized) while this is not the case for a LINE signal. The Rega Fono Mini A2D comes with an USB output that enables you to transfer your vinyl records into digital music on your PC.Overall, 110LP v2 is among the best phono preamps for its uncompetitive price. It dishes out a refined, smooth, and fluid sound with a satisfying punch. Pros 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. Remember always to maintain a strong signal level above the noise level, to get high-quality and clear audio. Generally, avoid buying a phono preamp with a low SNR. Total Harmonic Distortion