A Simple Guide for Beginners and Vinyl Enthusiasts

If your turntable sounds extremely quiet, thin, or barely audible when plugged into your speakers, there’s a good chance your setup is missing one key component: a phono preamp. But before you buy one, you need to know whether your turntable already includes a preamp inside it.

Here’s how to find out.

1. Look for a PHONO/LINE Switch

The easiest way to know if a turntable has a built-in preamp is by checking for a switch labeled:

PHONO / LINE
PREAMP ON / OFF
EQ ON / OFF

What it means:

LINE = Built-in preamp is active
PHONO = Raw phono signal (needs external preamp)

If your turntable has this switch, it definitely has a built-in preamp.

2. Check the RCA Outputs or Back Panel Labels

Many manufacturers print clear indicators near the output ports. Look for labels such as:

LINE OUT
AUX OUT
EQ OUT

These mean the signal is already amplified — so yes, the turntable has its own preamp.

If the only label you see is PHONO OUT, then it does not have a preamp.

3. Look for a USB Output

Most USB turntables include built-in preamps to make them plug-and-play for computers.
While not a guarantee, it’s a strong indicator that the turntable includes at least a basic preamp.

4. Test the Volume Level

If you plug your turntable directly into:

powered speakers, or
an AUX, LINE, or CD input on a receiver

…and the sound is full, loud, and normal — then your turntable has a built-in preamp.

If the volume is extremely low, something is missing:
→ You need an external preamp.

5. Check the Manual or Manufacturer’s Website

If the model number is available, a quick check online will confirm:

whether a preamp is built in,
if it’s switchable, or
if you’ll need to add your own.

Most brands state it clearly in the specifications under “Phono Preamp.”

6. Search for a “Ground Wire”

Turntables without built-in preamps often include a ground wire to prevent hum when connecting to a receiver’s PHONO input.

If you see a separate ground wire, that’s often a sign your turntable does not have a preamp.

(Though some models include grounding even when amplified — so this is not a perfect indicator.)

Quick Summary

Your turntable likely has a built-in preamp if it has:

A PHONO/LINE switch
LINE OUT labeling
USB output
Normal volume when plugged into powered speakers

Your turntable likely does not have a built-in preamp if:

It only has PHONO OUT
The volume is extremely quiet
It includes a ground wire and no other indicators

How to Tell If a Turntable Has a Built-In Preamp?