Vincent PHO-200 Phono Preamplifier Black

The Vincent PHO-200 is a compact phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that raises the tiny signal from your turntable to line level – so you can run your deck even on an amplifier without a phono input.

It's the entry point into Vincent's phono range: a cleanly built metal housing with an outboard plug-in power supply that keeps hum interference away from the sensitive amplifier circuit. No frills, but exactly what a turntable without its own preamp needs.

Why the PHO-200?

Because a cartridge's signal is extremely quiet – a few millivolts – and needs to be substantially amplified and equalised to the RIAA curve before your amplifier can do anything with it. That's exactly what the PHO-200 does, and with less noise and more cleanliness than the often thinly specced phono stages built into many integrated amplifiers.

A switch on the underside lets you toggle between MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil). This way the PHO-200 stays with you even if you switch cartridges at some point. The separate power supply keeps the interference-prone electronics right where they belong: far away from the transformer.

What you get

• MM and MC in one: switchable, fits practically any common cartridge.
• External power supply: the outboard plug-in power supply keeps hum and interference out of the audio section.
• Clean signal path: RIAA equalisation with a high signal-to-noise ratio for a quiet, clear playback.
• Compact metal housing: small, unobtrusive, finds a place anywhere.
• Honest upgrade: audibly better than the built-in phono stage of many integrated amplifiers.

Who is the PHO-200 for?

For anyone who wants to connect a turntable to an amplifier without a phono input – or who wants to swap their amplifier's built-in phono stage for something better without spending a lot of money right away. A sensible first step into vinyl listening.

Honestly: the PHO-200 is the entry point, not a reference device. It has fixed input values and no fine-tuning – if you want to precisely match your MC cartridge or digitise records, take a look at the PHO-500 or PHO-701 instead. But for a solid, uncomplicated entry point, the PHO-200 is exactly right.

Our verdict

The PHO-200 is an honest, well-built entry-level phono preamplifier: MM/MC, external power supply, clean sound – at a fair price. The obvious choice for a first turntable or an amplifier without a phono input.

Which phono preamplifier suits your cartridge, we're happy to clarify quickly: call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: phono preamplifier (MM/MC) with external power supply (powerLine)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB); 10 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)
• Total harmonic distortion: below 0.05%
• Input sensitivity: MM 58 mV, MC 6.8 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM above 84 dB, MC above 71 dB
• Input impedance: MM 47 kOhms, MC 100 ohms
• Gain: MM 40 dB, MC 60 dB
• Inputs: 1 × stereo RCA
• Outputs: 1 × stereo RCA
• Switching: MM/MC on the underside of the unit
• Power supply: 12 V DC, 200 mA (external power supply)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 115 × 55 × 130 mm
• Weight: 1 kg
• Colour: Black
• Included in the box: PHO-200, external power supply, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

Do I even need the PHO-200?
If your turntable doesn't have a built-in phono preamp and your amplifier has no phono input, then yes. The PHO-200 raises the quiet cartridge signal to line level and equalises it to RIAA – only then does the record sound right. It's also worthwhile as a replacement for a weak built-in phono stage.

What's the difference between MM and MC?
These are the two common cartridge types. Moving Magnet (MM) delivers a higher signal and is more widespread, Moving Coil (MC) a finer, very quiet signal. The PHO-200 handles both – you switch between them using the switch on the underside.

Why is the power supply in a separate plug-in housing?
Because the phono signal is tiny and sensitive. A transformer right next to the amplifier circuit would easily induce hum. Thanks to the outboard power supply, the audio section stays quiet – you hear the music, not the mains.

When is it worth stepping up to the PHO-300, PHO-500 or PHO-701?
The PHO-300 brings a more elaborate, fully outboard power supply. The PHO-500 allows fine-tuning to the cartridge and can digitise records via USB. The PHO-701 additionally uses a tube for a warmer sound. For a pure entry point, the PHO-200 is enough.

Why buy the PHO-200 at HD Zürisee?
Because from experience we know which phono preamplifier suits which cartridge and which system. We help you with the right setting, tell you honestly whether the entry model is enough or the bigger one is worth it, and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

More from the brand is available in the Vincent overview. The right turntable is found among our turntables, more preamps among our phono preamplifiers. We're happy to add the right cable too.