Finding the best integrated amplifiers with phono input means finding the right balance between phono stage quality, output power, and what else you need from a single box. This guide covers eight picks across the full price range — from a $130 entry-level receiver for a first vinyl setup, to a $2,000+ premium streaming amplifier for a dedicated listening room — each selected because it solves a genuinely different problem.
A built-in phono input simplifies any vinyl system by removing the need for an external phono preamp. Most integrated amplifiers in this guide include an MM phono stage, which handles the vast majority of consumer cartridges. Understanding how to match amplifier power to your speakers — and when a built-in phono stage is sufficient versus when you need an external preamp — is covered in the buying guide at the end of this page. For a broader look at power and compatibility, the amplifier wattage guide explains the relationship between watts, sensitivity, and real-world listening levels in practical terms.
Quick Answer: The best integrated amplifiers with phono input are the Sony STR-DH190 (best budget entry with Bluetooth), Cambridge Audio AXA35 (best pure analog under $400), Denon PMA-600NE (best warm midrange pick), Yamaha A-S501 (best step-up for power and control), Marantz PM6007 (best for musical vinyl warmth), Yamaha A-S801 (best for larger rooms and demanding speakers), Denon PMA-900HNE (best hybrid vinyl and streaming amp), and Marantz Model 40n (best premium streaming and vinyl solution). All include a built-in MM phono stage.
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Best Integrated Amplifiers with Phono Input (Quick Comparison)
Eight picks across five price tiers. The table maps the decision quickly — find your situation, then read the full review for how each one sounds.
| Model | Phono Stage | Streaming | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony STR-DH190 | MM | Bluetooth | Budget entry — first turntable setup | ~$130–160 |
| Cambridge Audio AXA35 | MM | No | Pure analog — refined phono stage | ~$350–400 |
| Denon PMA-600NE | MM | No | Warm midrange — musical vinyl playback | ~$550–650 |
| Yamaha A-S501 | MM | No | Step-up power and speaker control | ~$500–600 |
| Marantz PM6007 | MM | No | Musical warmth — relaxed vinyl sessions | ~$500–700 |
| Yamaha A-S801 | MM | No | Larger rooms — high-current performance | ~$700–1,000 |
| Denon PMA-900HNE | MM | HEOS + Wi-Fi + BT | Vinyl and streaming hybrid | ~$700–900 |
| Marantz Model 40n | MM | HEOS + Wi-Fi + BT | Premium streaming and vinyl — long-term investment | ~$1,800–2,200 |
Here is what each pick actually delivers — and where each one earns or loses its recommendation.
Best Integrated Amplifiers with Phono Input (Top Picks Reviewed)
1. Sony STR-DH190 Stereo Receiver
Best for: First vinyl setup — easy turntable connection, Bluetooth for streaming, minimal setup
Phono stage: MM only
- Power output: 100W × 2 (6Ω)
- Phono stage: MM (moving magnet)
- Inputs: Phono, 4× RCA line, Bluetooth
- Speaker outputs: 2 pairs (A/B)
- Headphone output: Yes — 3.5mm front panel
- Tone controls: Bass and treble
The Sony STR-DH190 is where this list starts because it’s where most first-time vinyl buyers should start. It connects a turntable via the built-in MM phono input, drives a pair of bookshelf speakers, and adds Bluetooth for phone streaming — all from a single box under $160. There is no simpler path from turntable to sound without compromising on the fundamentals.
The phono stage is basic but functional. It handles most entry-level to mid-range MM cartridges without obvious coloration, providing a clean enough signal for casual listening and bedroom systems. It won’t flatter a high-end cartridge, and it isn’t trying to — the STR-DH190 targets the listener who wants a turntable-ready system today without committing to audiophile pricing. For anyone ready to step up to a more refined phono stage and better speaker control, the Cambridge Audio AXA35 is the natural next move.
- Built-in MM phono input — direct turntable connection, no external preamp needed
- Bluetooth 4.2 — wireless streaming from phone or laptop
- Two speaker pairs (A/B) — drives two sets of speakers independently
- Headphone output on the front panel
- Simple, intuitive controls — no learning curve
- Basic phono stage — not suitable for high-end cartridges
- No optical or coaxial digital input
- Build quality reflects the price — not as solid as mid-tier amps
Approx. price: $130–$160. Best budget entry — the simplest path to a turntable-ready stereo system.
2. Cambridge Audio AXA35 Integrated Amplifier
Best for: Pure analog vinyl listeners who want noticeably better phono stage quality without streaming features
Phono stage: MM — more refined than entry-level receivers
- Power output: 35W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — dedicated, more refined than entry receivers
- Inputs: Phono, 4× RCA line
- Speaker outputs: 1 pair
- Headphone output: Yes — 3.5mm front panel
- Bluetooth: No
- Tone controls: No — pure signal path
The Cambridge Audio AXA35 makes a deliberate trade: it removes Bluetooth, tone controls, and any feature that could compromise the signal path, and puts the engineering budget entirely into the amplifier and phono stage. The result is a noticeably cleaner, more detailed sound than the Sony STR-DH190 — particularly on vinyl, where the more refined phono stage recovers more of what’s in the groove without adding the slight grain that basic phono circuits introduce.
At 35W per channel, the AXA35 is best suited to efficient bookshelf speakers in small to medium rooms. It won’t drive low-sensitivity floorstanders to their potential in a larger space — for that, the Yamaha A-S501 is the more appropriate step up. But for a nearfield or bedroom setup with speakers above 87dB sensitivity, the AXA35 is among the cleanest-sounding options under $400. Cambridge Audio’s build quality is consistent and confidence-inspiring — it feels like a product that will sit on a shelf and perform reliably for a decade.
- Refined MM phono stage — audibly cleaner than entry-level receivers
- Pure analog signal path — no tone controls, no switching noise
- Compact, well-built chassis — premium feel for the price
- Cambridge Audio house sound — balanced, natural, non-fatiguing
- No Bluetooth or streaming
- 35W per channel — not for low-sensitivity speakers or large rooms
- No tone controls — what you hear is what the recording contains
Approx. price: $350–$400. Best pure analog pick — refined phono stage and clean amplification without streaming compromise.
3. Denon PMA-600NE Integrated Amplifier
Best for: Listeners who want warmth, musicality, and more power than the AXA35 at a midrange price
Phono stage: MM — warm, musical character suited to most consumer cartridges
- Power output: 70W × 2 (4Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — Denon’s vinyl-tuned implementation
- Inputs: Phono, 3× RCA line, optical digital
- Speaker outputs: 1 pair
- Headphone output: Yes
- Tone controls: Yes
- Bluetooth: No
Denon has built integrated amplifiers with vinyl-focused tuning for decades, and the PMA-600NE reflects that history. Its MM phono stage has a warm, musical character — less neutral than Cambridge’s, more engaged and rhythmically forward. On well-recorded jazz, acoustic folk, and classic rock, it gives vinyl a sense of presence and energy that more clinically-tuned amplifiers don’t always provide. Tone controls allow further adjustment for cartridge character or speaker coloration without requiring a separate EQ unit.
At 70W per channel it handles a wider range of speakers than the AXA35, including less sensitive bookshelf models and smaller floorstanders. The optical digital input is a practical addition — it connects a TV or CD player without using an RCA input, keeping the analogue inputs free for turntable and other line sources. Availability can vary at some retailers, but it’s consistently stocked on Amazon. Matching this amplifier correctly to your speakers is where the performance difference between this and cheaper alternatives becomes most audible — the speaker matching guide covers the key variables.
- Warm, musical MM phono stage — flatters most consumer cartridges
- Optical digital input — connects TV or CD player directly
- 70W per channel — more headroom than budget alternatives
- Tone controls — useful for speaker and cartridge compensation
- Denon build quality — heavier and more solid than entry-level amps
- No Bluetooth or streaming
- Warmer character may not suit all cartridge and speaker combinations
- Availability and pricing can fluctuate
Approx. price: $550–$650. Best warm midrange pick — musical phono stage and solid power for most vinyl setups.
4. Yamaha A-S501 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Best for: Listeners stepping up to more demanding speakers and wanting a neutral, high-control phono stage
Phono stage: MM — clean, neutral, well-implemented
- Power output: 85W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — clean and neutral
- Inputs: Phono, 4× RCA line, optical digital, coaxial digital
- Speaker outputs: 2 pairs (A/B)
- Headphone output: Yes — dedicated amp stage
- Tone controls: Yes — with bypass switch
- Bluetooth: No
The Yamaha A-S501 is the step-up choice for listeners whose speakers need more current delivery than the AXA35 or PMA-600NE can provide. Yamaha’s high-current amplifier design gives it tighter bass control and a more stable stereo image across a wider range of speaker loads — including 4Ω bookshelf models and moderate floorstanders that lose definition from underpowered amps. The tone controls include a bypass switch, which is the correct approach: use them when needed, remove them from the signal path when you don’t.
The phono stage is neutral and clean rather than warm — closer in character to the Cambridge Audio AXA35 than to the Denon PMA-600NE. Both optical and coaxial digital inputs handle a CD player, streaming device, or TV connection without consuming an RCA slot. Two speaker pairs with A/B switching allows driving a second room or two speaker positions without a separate amplifier. Yamaha’s reliability record across their A-S series is one of the strongest in this price range — these amplifiers are routinely found in service after fifteen or twenty years of use.
- 85W per channel with high-current design — strong speaker control
- Clean, neutral MM phono stage — accurate, non-editorialising
- Optical and coaxial digital inputs — flexible source compatibility
- Two speaker pair outputs (A/B)
- Tone controls with bypass switch
- Outstanding long-term reliability record
- No Bluetooth or streaming
- Industrial rather than premium design aesthetic
- Neutral character — not for listeners who specifically want warmth
Approx. price: $500–$600. Best step-up for power and control — reliable, neutral, and built to last.
5. Marantz PM6007 Integrated Amplifier
Best for: Vinyl listeners who prioritise a warm, engaging, musical presentation over maximum analytical precision
Phono stage: MM — Marantz house sound, warm and musical
- Power output: 45W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — Marantz-tuned, warm and musical
- Inputs: Phono, 4× RCA line, optical digital
- Speaker outputs: 1 pair
- Headphone output: Yes — dedicated discrete headphone amp
- Source direct: Yes — bypasses tone and balance controls
- Bluetooth: No
Marantz has maintained a house sound across decades of product lines — warm, smooth, and forgiving of recordings that lean thin or harsh. The PM6007 distils that character into their most accessible integrated amplifier. Its MM phono stage is among the more musically satisfying in this price range: not the most neutral, not the highest resolution, but consistently engaging in a way that makes you want to keep listening. Jazz, classical, acoustic folk, and vocal recordings particularly benefit from its tonal balance.
The dedicated discrete headphone amplifier is a notable inclusion — most integrated amplifiers at this price tap the speaker output for headphone use, which produces inferior results. The PM6007 provides a dedicated headphone stage that handles most dynamic headphones cleanly. Source direct mode bypasses tone controls and balance adjustments for a purer signal path when you don’t need them. At 45W per channel, it’s best matched to efficient bookshelf speakers — the Yamaha A-S501 is the better choice for less sensitive or larger speaker loads.
- Marantz house sound — warm, musical, non-fatiguing over long sessions
- Dedicated discrete headphone amplifier — not a tap from the speaker output
- Source direct mode — bypasses tone controls for a clean signal path
- Optical digital input — TV or CD player connection without using RCA
- Premium finish and build quality
- 45W per channel — not for low-sensitivity or demanding speakers
- No Bluetooth or streaming
- Warm character may compound coloration with already-warm cartridges
Approx. price: $500–$700. Best for musical vinyl warmth — and the dedicated headphone amp stage is genuinely good.
6. Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Best for: Listeners with larger rooms, more demanding speakers, and a desire for high-resolution detail alongside vinyl playback
Phono stage: MM — transparent and detailed, same lineage as A-S series
- Power output: 100W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — transparent, detailed
- DAC: ESS Sabre 32-bit — USB, optical, coaxial digital inputs
- Inputs: Phono, 5× RCA line, USB-B, optical, coaxial
- Speaker outputs: 2 pairs (A/B)
- Headphone output: Yes
- Tone controls: Yes — with bypass
- Bluetooth: No
The Yamaha A-S801 is the serious listener’s step up from the A-S501 — same reliable Yamaha build, higher current output, and the addition of a built-in ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC with USB input. For a system that serves both a turntable and a computer-based music source, the A-S801 replaces a separate DAC without adding a second box. Its 100W per channel with high-current delivery handles demanding floorstanders and large-room setups that would push the lower-powered entries on this list beyond their comfort zone.
The MM phono stage is transparent and detailed — consistent with Yamaha’s neutral house sound rather than the warmer, more coloured character of the Denon and Marantz alternatives. It rewards proper cartridge matching and will reveal the character of your turntable and stylus accurately. For a full review covering the A-S801’s sound, DAC performance, and speaker pairings in detail, the dedicated Yamaha A-S801 review covers all of that in depth.
- 100W per channel with high-current design — strong floorstander control
- Built-in ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC — USB, optical, and coaxial digital inputs
- Transparent MM phono stage — accurate, revealing
- Two speaker pair outputs (A/B)
- Yamaha reliability — built to last
- No Bluetooth or wireless streaming
- Neutral character — not for listeners who want warmth added at the amp stage
- Higher price than midrange options
Approx. price: $700–$1,000. Best for larger rooms and demanding speakers — with a built-in DAC that replaces a separate component.
7. Denon PMA-900HNE Integrated Network Amplifier
Best for: Listeners who want vinyl and streaming in one box — HEOS multi-room, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MM phono all integrated
Phono stage: MM — clean and musical, consistent with Denon’s vinyl-focused tuning
- Power output: 80W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — Denon-tuned, warm and musical
- Streaming: HEOS multi-room, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
- Inputs: Phono, 2× RCA line, optical, coaxial, USB-A
- Speaker outputs: 1 pair
- Headphone output: Yes
- App control: HEOS app — iOS and Android
The Denon PMA-900HNE is the most versatile all-in-one solution on this list. It combines Denon’s well-regarded vinyl-focused MM phono stage with HEOS multi-room streaming, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi — all in an integrated amplifier that also handles TV audio via optical input. The result is a single unit that anchors a modern living room system without requiring a separate streamer, streaming preamp, or Bluetooth receiver.
Sound quality on vinyl is consistent with the Denon house sound — warm, musical, and rhythmically forward, with a phono stage that flatters a wide variety of cartridges without requiring careful matching. Streaming quality via HEOS and AirPlay 2 is excellent — high-resolution files from Tidal, Qobuz, or local NAS storage play at full quality without requiring a separate DAC or streamer. The amp controls via the HEOS app, which allows playlist management, source switching, and volume from a phone. For listeners who run both a turntable and a streaming account, and don’t want separate components for each, the PMA-900HNE is the clearest single-box answer in this range.
- HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth — comprehensive streaming
- Musical MM phono stage — Denon’s vinyl-tuned implementation
- 80W per channel — handles most bookshelf and moderate floorstanding speakers
- App control via HEOS — source switching and volume from a phone
- Optical, coaxial, and USB-A inputs alongside phono and analogue
- More complex to set up than pure analog amplifiers
- Higher price than analog-only alternatives
- HEOS app experience varies — occasional connectivity issues reported
Approx. price: $700–$900. Best vinyl and streaming hybrid — the most versatile all-in-one for modern connected listening.
8. Marantz Model 40n Integrated Network Amplifier
Best for: Serious listeners who want a premium, long-term investment combining Marantz’s finest house sound with full streaming and vinyl capability
Phono stage: MM — premium implementation, Marantz musical character at its best
- Power output: 70W × 2 (8Ω)
- Phono stage: MM — premium Marantz implementation
- Streaming: HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- DAC: ESS Sabre — USB-B, optical, coaxial digital inputs
- Inputs: Phono, 3× RCA line, optical, coaxial, USB-B
- Speaker outputs: 1 pair
- Headphone output: Yes — dedicated discrete stage
- Chassis: Premium aluminium — Marantz signature design
The Marantz Model 40n sits at the top of this list because it represents what a premium integrated amplifier with phono input should be: the best expression of Marantz’s musical house sound, paired with full modern streaming capability and a DAC that handles high-resolution digital sources without a separate component. Its MM phono stage is the finest in this guide — more detailed and musical than the PM6007, with better separation and a lower noise floor that allows a higher-quality cartridge to perform at its potential.
At 70W per channel, power output is similar to the PMA-600NE rather than the Yamaha A-S801 — the Model 40n is tuned for musical quality rather than maximum drive capability, and it performs best with efficient speakers where its character can be fully heard rather than spent compensating for difficult loads. The dedicated discrete headphone stage is exceptional. The ESS Sabre DAC handles files up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD via USB. HEOS and AirPlay 2 provide full streaming integration. This is a product built for decades of use — it should still be performing flawlessly twenty years from now.
- Premium MM phono stage — the most detailed and musical on this list
- Marantz house sound at its finest — warm, engaging, non-fatiguing
- HEOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth — full streaming
- ESS Sabre DAC — USB, optical, coaxial; up to 384kHz/DSD support
- Dedicated discrete headphone amplifier stage
- Premium chassis and finish — built for long-term ownership
- Premium price — significant investment over midrange alternatives
- 70W per channel — not the most powerful amp for large or difficult speakers
- Warm, musical character — not for listeners who specifically want a neutral presentation
Approx. price: $1,800–$2,200. Premium streaming and vinyl solution — the finest phono stage on this list and a long-term investment in musical performance.
How to Choose an Integrated Amplifier with Phono Input
Most buyers narrow down the choice by price, then discover the differences between picks only after purchasing. These three questions narrow it to one or two options before any money changes hands.
MM or MC cartridge?
Every amplifier in this guide includes an MM (moving magnet) phono stage, which suits the vast majority of consumer and prosumer cartridges — Ortofon, Audio-Technica, Nagaoka, Shure, and most others in the affordable to mid-range segment. MC (moving coil) cartridges produce a much lower output signal that requires a higher-gain phono stage, a separate step-up transformer, or a dedicated external phono preamp. None of the amplifiers here support MC directly. If you run or plan to run an MC cartridge, budget separately for an external phono preamp regardless of which integrated amplifier you choose.
How much power do your speakers need?
Speaker sensitivity — measured in dB at 1W/1m — determines how much amplifier power you actually need. Speakers above 88dB sensitivity (most bookshelf monitors and efficient floorstanders) perform well from 35–50W per channel in normal rooms. Speakers below 85dB sensitivity need 85W or more to reach comfortable listening levels with dynamic headroom intact. The Sony STR-DH190 and Cambridge AXA35 suit efficient speakers in small rooms. The Yamaha A-S501 and A-S801 suit a wider range including less sensitive models. The best stereo amplifiers under $500 covers this decision in more depth if you’re working within a tighter budget.
Do you need streaming alongside vinyl?
Three of the eight picks on this list include built-in streaming — the Sony STR-DH190 (Bluetooth only), the Denon PMA-900HNE (HEOS, AirPlay 2, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), and the Marantz Model 40n (same). If you stream music regularly from Tidal, Spotify, or a local NAS server, choosing an amplifier with built-in streaming eliminates the need for a separate streaming device and the cabling that comes with it. If you stream only occasionally or already own a streaming device with analogue output, a pure analog amplifier gives you more of the budget to spend on sound quality rather than streaming hardware.
Ground loop hum: If you hear a persistent low hum from your speakers after connecting a turntable, the most common cause is a ground loop between the turntable and amplifier. Most turntables include a grounding wire that connects to a dedicated ground terminal on the amplifier’s phono input. If the hum persists after grounding, try connecting the turntable and amplifier to the same power outlet or use a ground loop isolator. This is a wiring issue — not a fault with the amplifier or turntable.
What does a built-in phono input do that a regular line input doesn’t?
A phono input applies RIAA equalisation — a standardised frequency curve that was baked into the vinyl cutting process to reduce groove width and improve dynamic range during manufacturing. Without RIAA correction, vinyl playback sounds thin, bass-light, and unnatural. Every turntable signal requires this correction before it can be amplified normally. An integrated amplifier with a phono input handles this internally, eliminating the need for a separate external phono preamp in the signal chain.
Final Verdict: The Best Integrated Amplifier with Phono Input for Your Setup
The right pick depends less on budget than on what your system actually needs alongside the phono input.
For a first vinyl setup with minimal complexity, the Sony STR-DH190 covers the basics — phono input, Bluetooth, and enough power for bookshelf speakers — at a price where getting started carries almost no risk. One step up, the Cambridge Audio AXA35 offers a noticeably more refined phono stage and cleaner amplification for listeners who want a purely analog system without the trade-offs of a budget receiver.
For listeners who want warmth and musicality in their vinyl playback, the Denon PMA-600NE and Marantz PM6007 are both excellent choices — the Denon more forward and rhythmically energetic, the Marantz smoother and more relaxed. For more power and better control over demanding speakers, the Yamaha A-S501 is the most reliable neutral step-up in this range.
Serious listeners with larger rooms and high-resolution sources should look at the Yamaha A-S801 — its built-in ESS DAC and high-current output make it the strongest performer for demanding setups. For modern connected living rooms where vinyl and streaming coexist, the Denon PMA-900HNE handles both without compromise. At the top of the range, the Marantz Model 40n represents the finest phono stage and most complete feature set on this list — a long-term investment that rewards both vinyl and digital listening equally.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special cartridge for integrated amplifiers with a phono input?
No special cartridge is required, but the type of cartridge matters. Every integrated amplifier in this guide includes an MM (moving magnet) phono stage, which suits the vast majority of consumer cartridges including Ortofon, Audio-Technica, Nagaoka, and Shure MM models. MC (moving coil) cartridges produce a much lower output signal that requires a higher-gain phono stage — none of the amplifiers here support MC directly. If you plan to use an MC cartridge, you will need a separate external phono preamp or step-up transformer regardless of which amplifier you choose.
Can I use these integrated amplifiers with a digital source?
Yes — most models include at least one digital input alongside the phono input. The Yamaha A-S501 includes optical and coaxial; the Yamaha A-S801 adds USB-B with a built-in ESS Sabre DAC; the Denon PMA-600NE includes optical; and both the Denon PMA-900HNE and Marantz Model 40n include full streaming, Wi-Fi, optical, coaxial, and USB-B inputs. The Cambridge Audio AXA35 is the exception — it is a pure analog amplifier with RCA inputs only, and requires a separate DAC for any digital source.
How important is speaker matching with a phono input amplifier?
Very important — and it’s the most commonly overlooked factor in vinyl system setup. Amplifier power and speaker sensitivity determine how loud and controlled your system sounds. A 35W amplifier paired with 88dB+ sensitivity bookshelf speakers in a small room will sound excellent. The same amplifier driving 82dB floorstanders in a medium room will run out of headroom and distort at moderate volumes. Check your speakers’ sensitivity rating (dB at 1W/1m) before selecting an amplifier — and when in doubt, choose more power rather than less.
What causes hum when connecting a turntable to an integrated amplifier?
Hum after connecting a turntable is almost always caused by a ground loop or an improperly connected ground wire. Most turntables include a thin grounding wire that connects to the amplifier’s dedicated phono ground terminal — connect this first before troubleshooting anything else. If the hum persists after grounding, try connecting the turntable and amplifier to the same wall outlet or the same power strip. If hum continues, a ground loop isolator placed between the turntable and phono input will resolve it in nearly every case. This is a wiring issue — not a fault with the amplifier or turntable.
Is a built-in phono stage as good as an external phono preamp?
At the entry level, dedicated external phono preamps often outperform built-in stages because more engineering budget can go into the phono circuit specifically. At the midrange and above — the Yamaha A-S501, Marantz PM6007, and everything higher on this list — the built-in phono stages are well-implemented and competitive with external preamps in the same price bracket. The Marantz Model 40n’s built-in phono stage in particular is difficult to better without a dedicated external unit costing $200 or more. For most listeners pairing a mid-range turntable with a mid-range amplifier, the built-in phono stage is sufficient and saves both money and desk space.