Mains pollution is the noise from amplifying silent signals. This percolates through the circuit, limiting the sonic benefits of high-end components. Fortunately, there’s a way manufacturers are reducing pollution by using top-notch DC to DC converter chips.

So, you want to get into vinyl, eh? You will need a turntable, of course. But will it work with your current audio system? The Rega Fono Mini A2D phono preamplifier will make sure it does. We’re yet to find a product – phono stage or turntable – that sounds different through our speakers to its performance as a ripping tool, so the fact that the Fono Mini A2D doesn’t force its own character on your music makes it a pretty much ideal source for your digital library. Additionally, the build is plastic but has protective internal metal shielding against breaking from falls. Performance The Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 sounds even warmer and smoother than the Rega Fono Mini A2D and I love it. Without missing great dynamics and details. It is absolutely fantastic. So far, I have not experienced any downsides with a tube phono preamp, if I look away from the fact that it has to warm up for a few minutes before it sounds great. But I was well aware of that. It uses a circuit that delivers equalization on the active bass and passive treble. Thanks to the even tonal balance, this phono preamp doesn’t consume more bass than it can handle.The Fono Mini A2D amplifier offers exceptional performance and incredible value for money and promises to be a valuable addition to any hi-fi set up. SPECIFICATIONS You can read more about this in our Do I Need a Preamp article. What is the difference between PHONO and LINE?

That isn’t to say the Zen Phono is overly clinical –it will embrace the warmth and character it is offered from your turntable –but it isn’t adding anything to the sound, merely polishing each note to the best of its ability. This means that a phono preamp’s work connects a record player to an amplifier by adjusting the phono signal to a standard line level.

The audio signal output from a turntable is usually fragile, like 1000 times low, compared to a CD player. Therefore, there’s a need to boost the signal to reach the average line-level or AUX necessary for the modern amplifiers. Additionally, it offers plenty of low-end that noticeably warm up the performance without becoming invasive or extreme. Pros Furthermore, Rega works very well with turntables and amplifiers, producing bold and powerful strokes. All these are thanks to the well-timing and dynamics offered by MK3. Undoubtedly, the market is overflowing with several options of phono preamps; hence making a suitable choice becomes difficult. But, worry not! Several fundamental factors guide you in the direction of a good phono preamp. 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.