Whats the point of a Phono Preamp?

[atchudy]

Is it only if you don't have a phone input?

[ThomasW]

That's part of it, also using an outboard phono pre-amp allows the buyer a wider choice of design options..

[Bob]

It amplifies the signal from the cartridge. A pre-amp has a built in phono stage. However, today few pre-amps have this and is why you see the term line stage used instead.

[exojam]

Sort of following what Thomas had said. I have a Denon 3803 which has phono input but will only accept a MM style cartridge. Also, from what I have gathered, components that have a phono input like mine are not that great (this statement obviously does not cover all processors). I picked up a little Cambridge Audio 640P that will take either MC or MM ti use in my system.

Once I started using the CA with my Ortofon 2M Blue, I changed cables to the CD input of the Denon this gave me a real nice boast in sound quality.

[Russ L]

A quality Phono line stage is as important as a quality cartridge. Both greatly improve the sound quality.