Phono input
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The phono input is a set of RCA input jacks, usually behind a stereo receiver to which a phonograph or turntable is attached. Modern phonograph needles(styli) and phono cartridges output a very low level signal, which is input to the receiver then amplified and equalized.
Phonograph recordings are made with high frequencies boosted. This reduces background noise, including clicks or pops, and also conserves the amount of physical space needed for each groove, by reducing the size of the larger low-frequency undulations. During playback the high frequencies are rescaled to their original level. This is accomplished in the amplifier with a "PHONO" input that incorporates standardized RIAA equalization circuitry.
While in the 1980s even some larger boombox radios had phono inputs, by 2006, mostly only very sophisticated and expensive stereo receivers retained the PHONO input since most users were expected to use digital music formats such as CD or satellite radio. Some newer low cost turntables include built-in amplifiers to produce line-level outputs, devices are available from internet sources that perform this conversion for use with computers, and used amplifiers and receivers are often inexpensive. All DJ mixers have phono inputs as well. One of the few midline priced receivers currently available of note that has the phono input is the Sherwood RX-4109 [1].
