You are one of those people that is totally in love with vinyl or turntable records, but still, you cannot bring the best out of them because there might be a thing that is missing. Well, that thing is definitely an amplifier and the main reason why you find yourself in this article!
Again, in this article, you will be able to find some of the greatest amplifiers for turntable records that are on the market nowadays. I will be including the top five picks from different brands so that you can easily choose based on your preferences and why not based on your favorite brands.
Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the best amplifiers for turntables, that I chose based on my preferences!
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Budget  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Premium  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Mid-Range  | 9.1 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Stereo Amplifier  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Overall  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
The Top 5 Best Amplifiers for Turntable
5. Kinter K2020A+ – Best Budget
Interestingly enough, Kinter as a brand is in charge of almost everything! Here comes the first amplifier on this article which comes from Kinter and definitely deserves a place here.
As a whole, this amplifier won’t take too much place in your room because it measures only 4.72 x 5.79 x 1.65 inches while it weighs around 1 pound. It can be easily moved around and won’t cause you any problem with the portability part.
In order to connect this amplifier to any device, there are some types of inputs that should be in use. The Kinter K2020A+ owns a gold-plated RCA left and right input and a 3.5mm MP3. Based on these types of inputs this amplifier is strong enough to work with any laptop, TV, DVD, of course besides turntables which once connected do a great job.
Your turntable records will listen in a great and clear way because this amplifier, as Kinter says, brings the most powerful sound that you have ever listened to. In general, every frequency of sound will be brought clearly.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Impedance: 47 ohms
- Headphone output: No
- Phono Stage: No
Why Should You Buy It?
I listed this amplifier as the best budget and that basically shows to whom it is aimed. In case you don’t want to spend a lot of money but need the main features included then this one will do the job quite well.
4. Audiolab 6000A – Best Premium
Audiolab brings whatever is needed when it comes to the audio part because that’s what the name suggests, right? Well, this integrated amplifier that I chose from Audiolab is definitely one of the greatest that you can find.
As long as dimensions are concerned, this integrated amplifier measures 20 x 18.5 x 6 inches and weighs 21.3 pounds. That basically means that this one is way bigger and heavier than the first one already mentioned, so when it comes to portability, it is not the best friend that you are expecting.
Anyways, to make up for the weight and size, Audiolab 6000A integrated amplifier makes us love it for the inputs that it owns. There are four digital inputs, an input for a turntable, of course, three line-level analog inputs, and most importantly, this amplifier owns Bluetooth for wireless connection!
My favorite thing about this integrated amp is definitely the remote control. The remote control is very easy to use and straightforward. Most stereo amplifiers have very a complicated remote control which requires a Harvard degree to operate, but this remote control can even be operated by kids. This is something that you won’t find on all integrated amplifiers.
Whenever connected with your turntable it will provide you with great high audio quality, and everything is brought clear enough to be called excellent. Everything, lows, mids, and highs, will come uncomplicated. The best part is that you also won’t need a separate power amplifier. Definitely, a great stereo receiver that is fully worth the money.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Headphone Output: Yes
- Impedance: 47 ohms
- Phono Stage: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
Differing from the one mentioned above, Audiolab made an integrated amplifier that is for those people who don’t care about the price tag as long as the product works as it should, and you won’t need a separate power amplifier. This is definitely among the best integrated amplifiers.
3. Cambridge Audio AXA35 – Best Mid-Range
Whenever one mentions Cambridge, the first thing that comes to mind is the university, but not in this article. Here I will be mentioning an integrated amplifier that has the name of a university that surprisingly enough is on many lists of the best amplifiers.
Here we again deal with a no portable amplifier, and the main reason is the size, and the weight, that it has. The Cambridge Audio AXA35 measures 13.2 x 16.9 x 3.3 inches and weighs 15.43 pounds. Anyways, it can be moved around your house though.
As far as inputs are concerned and the most important things, this amplifier owns four analog inputs, a 3.5mm Aux, and a 0.25 Inch Jack. It can be easily connected with different devices such as CD players, TVs, game consoles, and of course, your turntable of any kind. It also has a built-in pho stage.
Everything that you will listen to with this amplifier, every melody, and every musical note, will be comprehended in the best way possible. The sound comes very well-balanced and comes detailed in many ways.
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 50,000 Hz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Impedance: 47 ohms
- Headphone Output: Yes
- Phono Stage: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
Another listing is based on the price tag, and that’s because the Cambridge amplifier brings everything you need at a supernormal price tag. In case you want an equalization of the price and the features, check this one out.
2. YAMAHA A-S501BL – Best Stereo Amplifier
Everybody knows what a powerful name Yamaha is in the audio field, in general. Here it comes, bringing amazing amplifiers that will do the greatest job when connected to a turntable device. It has everything that you have been looking for.
Design-wise, this integrated amp has the simplest look, and yet, it will look good wherever you choose to locate or place it around your house. As for the size, this amplifier measures 17.13 x 15.25 x 6 inches and weighs 22.7 pounds.
The inputs that Yamaha added to this amplifier are gold-plated digital coax inputs, TOSLINK optical input, and the most important one that is directly related to turntables is the phono input! In case you don’t know, a phono input is the most important type of input in amplifiers when it comes to the connection with turntables.
The sound that this amplifier provides you with is indeed impressive! It can bring to you a super-pure and smooth sound that works in any frequency that you may need. Once connected to your turntable, the vinyl records will sound better than you can imagine.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Headphone Output: Yes
- Impedance: 47 ohms
- Phono Stage: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
Stereo amplifiers are those that include two channels within, and even though most of them are like this, Yamaha is the main one! In case you want a stereo amplifier with digital inputs then I would gladly say that the Yamaha one is totally made for you.
1. Denon PMA-600NE – Best Overall
Last but not least, the amplifier that I chose comes from Denon! It is not only known as the best overall amplifier for turntables but it is also the best overall among many other amplifiers that you can find on the market.
Just as the other amplifiers that I mentioned in this article, this Danon one has somehow a similar size and weight. Its dimensions are 17.1 x 12.1 x 4.76 inches meanwhile its weight is about 20.7 pounds.
The Denon PMA-600NE features two optical inputs and coaxial input. Besides that, it also owns a Bluetooth connection so that you can easily connect the turntable via a cable meanwhile you can connect your speakers fully wirelessly! There’s the Analog Mode which does the job for you during Bluetooth connection.
This amplifier has digital inputs and a built-in phono equalizer.
When it comes to the sound, owning all the things that I mentioned above, I think that you already have an idea of how this one sounds, right? Denon PMA-600NE is one of those amplifiers that will deliver to you the best sound quality that you have ever listened to! The vinyl records that you will be putting in the turntable will sound cooler than ever.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
- Number of Channels: 2
- Impedance: 47 ohms
- Phono Stage: Yes
Why Should You Buy It?
When a product is listed as the best overall, it means that it has everything that you have been thinking about and this one definitely deserves to be listed like that. The Denon PMA-600NE is one of those amplifiers that does everything in the best way possible. It has digital inputs too.
What to Look For Before Choosing An Amplifier for Turntable – Buying Guide
Whenever you buy something there are some things that need to be considered and those are the most important things that show the importance of the device that you are about to buy. Here are the main things to look at before choosing the best amplifier for the turntable:
Frequency Response
Frequency response in any device is its ability to handle the power of frequencies that are added to them. In amplifiers, it is basically the same, and most amplifiers, the ones that I mentioned above and some that are not on the list, have somehow the same frequency response, which should be around 20Hz-20kHz.
Number of Inputs
Inputs are every port that the amplifier owns in order to get connected to the other devices that you are about to use with it. It is definitely better if you check out the number of inputs in the amplifier that you are about to buy so that you can connect them easier.
Number of Channels
The number of channels on an amplifier mostly shows the number of speakers that can be added to it. There are different amplifiers that have different numbers of channels and what you should do before choosing the best one for the turntable is to check how many channels does that amplifier own.
Impedance
Just as in speakers, headphones, and many other sound devices, the impedance shows the ratio of voltage that moves around the amplifier. In this case, the impedance is an important feature to look at and what you should know about it is that higher impedance brings better sound quality.
The impedance number of all the amplifiers that I mentioned in this article is the same because all of them own an impedance of 47 ohms.
Connections
As you can notice, above I mentioned Bluetooth connectivity a few times, right? Well, that is one of the greatest things that an amplifier can own. When you find an amplifier that can be connected fully wirelessly your job is way easier only if you have wireless speakers because most turntable devices are not wireless. Have that in mind!
FAQ About Amplifiers for Turntable
What is an amplifier?
Amplifiers are electronic devices that are related to the audio field in a general form. An amplifier’s job is to increase the voltage, current, and power of a signal. The audio signal basically comes from the device that you have it connected with.
What is a turntable?
A turntable is another device or as it is mostly known, it is a platform that revolves around the phonograph record that is added to it. Basically, turntables are the devices that are used to listen to vinyl recordings.
Do all amplifiers work with turntables?
A turntable device has to be connected to an amplifier, to bring to you the greatest vinyl records. As for the question asked above, the answer is pretty easy, and simple. Most amplifiers work with different turntables, and there won’t be any problem with using whatever kind you want.
Can’t I directly connect speakers to a turntable?
Not really! A turntable isn’t powerful enough to drive the speakers and bring good sound to you. That’s basically the reason why turntables need amplifiers, they power them so that you can have the best experience.
Are amplifiers too expensive?
Neither expensive nor cheap! Amplifiers are devices that come in a variety of price tags in general, just as you can notice in the ones that I mentioned throughout this article. They are cheap ones meanwhile there are some of them that have a price tag above $1000. But, if you ask if they are worth it when needed for a turntable then yes! An amplifier is definitely worth it.
Final Words
It seemed like this article can never come to an end and that’s more than normal because amplifiers own a lot of things that we have to talk about. Anyways, here we are at the end of this article in which I presented to you some of the best amplifiers for turntables.
I gladly assure you that every amplifier that I mentioned does its job in the best way possible and will provide you with the best sound quality!
I really hope that this article will help you find the best amplifier for turntables!
Further Reading
As we got here, I think that you all know now the importance of an amplifier, right? I definitely think you do!
Well, regarding amplifiers I also wrote some other articles and I would like to introduce them to you in the smoothest way possible. In case you don’t need an amplifier for your turntables but instead, the need goes at your headphones, then I would gladly advise you to check out some of the greatest headphone amplifiers under $100.
Now, in the world of headphones, there is a well-known brand that is considered the flagship of professional headphones and that name is Beyerdynamic. In case you own headphones from that brand and need an amp for them, here are the top 5 best amps for Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro.
There is something else that I will mention and I will leave it like that! Did you know that those karaoke nights that you may organize need an amplifier or a mixer? Well, start checking out some of the most prominent karaoke mixers so that your job can be easier!
You can find out more about Bookshelf Speakers Vs Studio Monitors and read the following blogs for further comparisons: JBL Charge 4 vs. Xtreme 3 and Hifiman HE560 vs. Sundara.
I don’t think there is anything else to add besides I hope you find the best amplifier for your turntable!
Audio Engineer
You’ll never find anyone more passionate about audio as me. I love to share my knowledge with others and help people find the right equipment for them.
