MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Our super-affordable phono preamp makes your vinyl sound purer than ever. iFi Zen Air Phono Enjoy a purer listening experience with the iFi ZEN Air Phono, our super-affordable phono preamp. A phono preamp, also called a phono preamplifier, provides the connection between the recording cartridge/pickup (stylus) and the integrated amplifier. Turntable cartridges output a very small signal. This signal needs to be amplified to several hundred times the original size before it is loud enough to enter your built-in amplifier. A phono preamp increases the signal level from millivolts to volts. When the vinyl record was the standard for audio recording, the phono preamp was built into receivers and amplifiers, allowing direct connection of a turntable. These days, most receivers and amplifiers do not contain a phono preamp, so a separate unit is needed. It is a must for any turntable without a built-in phono preamp. It will also upgrade a basic built-in phono preamp in a turntable or integrated amplifier system. Even purer Listening to music on vinyl is good for the soul. It sounds purer than listening to a track through your smartphone or computer. Make this experience even purer by reducing hiss, noise and vibrations on your records with the ZEN Air Phono. Compatible with MC moving coil and MM moving magnet cartridges There are two types of turntable cartridges: moving magnet and moving coil, and the ZEN Air Phono works with both. The MM setting is for capsules with an output voltage of 2 mV and above. The MC setting is for capsules with an output voltage below 2 mV. Use the gain switch on the back to change this setting. It also has an accurate RIAA equalization setting to satisfy the most discerning vinyl lover.