Which is better preamp built-in or external?
Quick Answer
External preamps give you more control and upgrade flexibility, but built-in preamps are perfectly fine for most casual listening. If you're just starting out, the built-in option saves money and simplifies setup - you can always upgrade later.
The preamp debate gets way more heated than it needs to. Whether you choose built-in or external largely depends on your listening goals and how much you want to tinker with your setup.
What Does a Preamp Actually Do?
A preamp (phono preamp or phono stage) amplifies the tiny signal from your turntable's cartridge and applies RIAA equalisation. Without it, your records would sound quiet and tinny. Every turntable setup needs one - the question is where it lives.
Built-in preamps are integrated into the turntable itself, usually with a switch to bypass them. External preamps are separate boxes that sit between your turntable and amplifier or speakers.
The Built-In Preamp Reality Check
Here's what other sites won't tell you: most built-in preamps are absolutely fine for casual listening. Yes, they're usually basic circuits with limited adjustment options, but they do the job. The "terrible built-in preamp" narrative is often pushed by people selling external preamps.
Built-in preamps are good for:
- Beginners who want simple setup
- Casual listeners who aren't chasing perfect sound
- Budget setups where every pound matters
- People who just want to play records without fuss
The limitations:
- Usually can't be upgraded without replacing the whole turntable
- May pick up electrical interference from the turntable motor
- No adjustability for different cartridge types
- Quality varies wildly between manufacturers
External Preamps: When They Make Sense
External preamps shine when you want control over your sound or plan to upgrade components over time. They're isolated from turntable vibrations and electrical noise, and you can match them to your specific cartridge.
External preamps excel when:
- You have a high-end cartridge that deserves better
- You want to fine-tune your sound with different preamp characteristics
- You're building a system you'll upgrade piece by piece
- Your turntable's built-in preamp is genuinely poor
Featured Turntables with Built-In Preamps
Record Player Denver Electronics VPL-230B Black – £74.60
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who want modern connectivity options
This all-in-one unit includes Bluetooth and USB recording, making it easy to digitise your collection or stream wirelessly. The built-in preamp means you can connect directly to any amplifier or powered speakers without additional equipment.
The honest take: It's a starter turntable that does everything adequately but nothing exceptionally. The built-in preamp is fine for the price point, and the convenience factor is hard to beat. Don't expect audiophile performance, but it'll get you spinning records with minimal fuss.
View Product →Record Player Trevi TT 1022 BT 3 W x 2 Stereo – £78.88
Best for: People who want an all-in-one solution with built-in speakers
Features built-in speakers and preamp, plus Bluetooth for wireless listening. The integrated approach means everything is designed to work together, eliminating compatibility concerns. Includes RCA outputs if you want to connect external speakers later.
The honest take: The built-in speakers are predictably mediocre, but the convenience is undeniable. The preamp does its job without fuss. It's designed for people who want to unbox and play records immediately, not audiophiles chasing perfection.
View Product →Making the Decision
Choose built-in preamps if you want simplicity and aren't planning major upgrades. They're genuinely fine for most people, despite what the internet might tell you. The convenience of fewer boxes and cables often outweighs any theoretical sound quality differences.
Go external if you're serious about sound quality, plan to upgrade your cartridge, or enjoy tweaking your system. But don't feel pressured into it - a good built-in preamp will serve most listeners perfectly well.
Remember: the biggest sound improvements come from your speakers and room acoustics, not whether your preamp lives inside or outside your turntable. Focus on those first before obsessing over preamp placement.