The Audiophiles Guide

The phono preamplifier

Paul McGowan

Small signal, big impact. This episode digs into the fundamentals of the phono preamplifier, the unsung hero of any vinyl-based system. Pulling from The Audiophile’s Guide, the conversation breaks down why this tiny component matters so much—amplifying fragile signals, applying RIAA EQ, and shaping the character of what you hear. Whether you’re new to analog or fine-tuning your setup, it’s a reminder that great vinyl playback starts with the right foundation.

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