pladeforstærkere

Pladeforstærkere, commonly known as phono preamplifiers or simply phono stages, are electronic devices designed to amplify the very low-level signal produced by a turntable's cartridge to a level that can be processed by a standard line-level amplifier or receiver. Turntable cartridges, particularly moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) types, generate a signal that is significantly weaker than that from other audio sources like CD players or streaming devices.

The primary function of a pladeforstærker is not only to increase the voltage of this signal but also to apply the RIAA equalization curve. This curve is a standard established for vinyl records to compensate for the way the cutting stylus engineers the groove. Specifically, it boosts the bass frequencies during recording and cuts the treble, and the pladeforstærker reverses this process during playback, boosting the treble and cutting the bass. This ensures a balanced and accurate reproduction of the music.

Pladeforstærkere can be found as standalone units, integrated into some turntables, or built into the circuitry of many stereo receivers and amplifiers. The quality of a pladeforstærker can significantly impact the overall sound quality of a vinyl playback system, with higher-end units offering better noise reduction, more precise equalization, and improved signal integrity. Different types of cartridges (MM vs. MC) often require different amplification characteristics and equalization, leading to pladeforstærkere with specific settings or dedicated inputs for each.