PHONO STAGES

EVERY RECORD DECK NEEDS A PHONO AMP

Edwards Audio Apprentice MM £90

Awards 2017 ★★★★★

A fine entry-level phono stage that will deliver a crisp and exciting sound from any good price-compatible moving magnet cartridge. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 16 x 11cm

Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Communicator £180

July 2018 ★★★★★

A gem of a phono amplifier that has stood the test of time. It offers class-leading levels of detail, brilliant timing and a sweet sound. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 12 x 19cm

Rega Fono MM MK3 £199

Best phono stage under £500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Rega has managed to take a near-perfect product and squeeze more improvements from it. It’s a class-leading performer. Type MM Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 18 x 14cm

Musical Fidelity LX2-LPS £199

April 2018 ★★★★★

Though it’s not as versatile as the Rega Mk3, the LX2 delivers a more engaging performance thanks to its open, full-bodied sound. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4 x 17 x 19cm

Cambridge Audio Duo MC/MM £249

July 2018 ★★★★★

This is a well-equipped MM/MC phono stage that even has a headphone output. Its sound quality is right up there in the leading pack.

Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 22 x 16cm

Moon 110LP v2 £450

March 2021 ★★★★★

The Moon 110LP v2 is certainly musically satisfying. If you’re in the market for a quality affordable phono stage, this little box is well worth auditioning. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4.2 x 13 x 17cm

Lindemann Limetree Phono £595

February 2019 ★★★★★

It may look ordinary, but this little box is an enjoyable and insightful performer with premium turntables, and sets a high standard at this price. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 4 x 12 x 12cm

Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL £699

Best phono stage over £500, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

A superbly made unit, that’s nice to use and, most importantly, sounds lovely. As good a phono stage as we’ve heard at this price. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 5 x 22 x 22cm

Vertere Acoustics Phono-1 MKII £1000

Best phono stage over £500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

If you’re looking for a top-class phono stage at this level, this should be at the top of your shopping list; it never trades musical enjoyment for analysis. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 5.5 x 21 x 23.5cm

Pathos In The Groove £1299

February 2017 ★★★★★

Provided you have a suitably talented turntable, this is a fine and flexible phono stage that beautifully combines refinement with insight.

Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 20 x 26cm

Cyrus Phono Signature/psx-r2 £2290

May 2016 ★★★★★

Partnered with the PSX-R2 power supply and a suitably talented turntable, the Signature sounds great. It’s a top-class phono stage. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 7 x 22 x 36cm

Burmester 100 Phono £8840

March 2018 ★★★★★

One of the finest phono stages available, the 100 is an understated, but brilliant performer that has a fluid and dynamic presentation. Type MM, MC Dimensions (hwd) 10 x 48 x 35cm