Top 10 Best USB Phono Preamps
for March 2023

A USB phono preamp is a device that connects to your audio device (such as a music player or turntable) and converts the analog audio signal into digital. This allows you to play your vinyl records on your digital device (such as your phone or tablet).

USB phono preamps range in price from under $50 to $300, but anyone can convert their vinyl records to digital format with a USB phono preamp. They are easy to install, and you don't need any specialized knowledge or equipment, just your device and a USB cable.

Our testing lab has tested USB phono preamps for years, evaluating them on performance, durability, ease of use, and sound quality. We evaluate how well each USB phono preamp converts analog audio signals into digital, as well as how easy they are to install and uninstall. We also score the sound quality and ease of use, including how easy they are to tune. Here are the best USB phono preamps of 2022:

Different Guide editors select recommendations independently. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

1
9.9
SCORE
NAD PP4 Digital Phono USB Preamplifier

NAD PP4 Digital Phono USB Preamplifier

by Nad
What We like

the NAD PP4 USB preamp is a good choice for computer-based record players. The small footprint allows you to tuck it under or behind your computer.

2
9.8
SCORE
DYNASTY PROAUDIO UA2D USB Phono Preamp for Turntable, Preamp with RIAA Equalized Low Noise Moving Magnet A/D Converter (Power Adaptor & USB Cable Included)

DYNASTY PROAUDIO UA2D USB Phono Preamp for Turntable

by Dynasty ProAudio
What We like

The UA2D USB phono preamp is designed to make vinyl LP recordings easy, with only 2 cable connections required: The UA2D USB phono preamp connects to the turntable via an RCA phono cable (included). The UA2D USB phono preamp connects to your PC or Mac computer via a standard USB A to B cable (included).

3
9.8
SCORE
Parasound Zphono MM/MC Phono Preamplifier with USB

Parasound Zphono MM/MC Phono Preamplifier with USB

by Parasound
What We like

This preamp sounds very good for under $200. It has no phono input or Bluetooth, but it has everything you need.

4
9.2
SCORE
ART USB Phono Plus (USB Phono Pre with RIAA EQ) Preamp

ART USB Phono Plus (USB Phono Pre with RIAA EQ) Preamp

by Art
What We like

This USB phono preamp adds the ability to record your vintage instruments to your computer, iPhone, or iPad.

5
9.1
SCORE
Stellar Labs Phono Preamp for Turntable, Pre Amp with USB Digital Recording, Low Noise USB Phono Pre Amplifier

Stellar Labs Phono Preamp for Turntable

by Ace Trading
What We like

With stellar audio quality and plug-and-play functionality, this great-sounding and affordable phono preamp is perfect for anyone needing a phono preamp.

6
9
SCORE
Technolink TC-756USB RIAA Moving Magnet Phono Preamp with AUX Input and USB (Computer) Output

Phono Preamps Technolink TC-756USB RIAA Moving Magnet Phono Preamp with AUX Input and USB (Computer) Output

by TEC
What We like

This model has more features than most of the other RIAA preamps we tested. It has better phono preamp gain than most and the USB output gives you the option to stream music directly from a computer.

7
8.9
SCORE
Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp for Turntable Preamplifier MM Phonograph Preamplifier with Gain Gear Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier for Record Player with DC 12V Power Supply

Fosi Audio Box X2 Phono Preamp for Turntable Preamplifier MM Phonograph Preamplifier with Gain Gear Mini Stereo Audio Hi-Fi Pre-Amplifier for Record Player with DC 12V Power Supply

by Fosi Audio
What We like

This preamp looks good and sounds great. With adjustable gain and the same tube that is in more expensive models, this phono preamp is the best value.

8
8.7
SCORE
ART USB Phono Plus

ART USB Phono Plus

by ART
What We like

The ART USB Phono Plus is a plastic box with a battery pack, a phono jack, and a USB plug. Charge the battery pack, plug in the USB Phono Plus, and the ART runs an FM signal so you can listen to the radio through your computer.

9
8.7
SCORE
Cambridge Audio Alva Solo | Phono Preamp for Moving Magnet Turntable

Cambridge Audio Alva Solo

by Cambridge Audio
What We like

This is the perfect preamp for vinyl record lovers who want to get the best sound out of their records.

10
8.7
SCORE
OSD Audio Pre-1 High Definition Preamplifier – Multi Source Select Phono Ready

OSD Audio Pre-1 High Definition Preamplifier – Multi Source Select Phono Ready

by OSD Audio
What We like

OSD Audio Pre-1 Preamplifier. It is an excellent preamplifier for the audiophile who loves to listen music in Dolby Headphone Low Profile or Dolby Pro-Logic IIx (Sound Theater). The Pre-1 is terrific for the music lover who wants to add that extra audio details to his/her existing audio system. It is sold in electronic stores for $195-$250.

11
8.5
SCORE
ART DJ Pre II Turntable Phono Preamplifier with RIAA EQ and a RCA Male to 2 RCA Male Audio Cable 3'

ART DJ Pre II Turntable Phono Preamplifier with RIAA EQ a and RCA Male to 2 RCA Male Audio Cable 3'

by ART
What We like

This analog preamplifier isn't fancy, but it's perfect for starting your collection of vinyl.

12
8.5
SCORE
iFi Audio Zen Phono Preamp for Turntables / Record Players

iFi Audio Zen Phono Preamp for Turntables

by Abbingdon Ltd
What We like

Advanced audio pre-amp for the vinyl enthusiast. It enables you to take your turntable from basic to great. The Zen pre-amp is extremely customizable. You can customize the gain (36dB to 72dB), filtering (subsonic to 72db), and output RCA and Balanced.

expand_less

I Agree
We use cookies to enhance and personalise your experience with us by collecting information about the pages you visit and actions taken on the site. More details