Don’t WASTE Your $$$ – Upgrade Your PHONO PRE Before You Splurge On A New Cartridge!
United States of Analog | February 6, 2026
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is about prioritizing phono preamp upgrades over cartridge upgrades for turntable owners. The host is advising beginners and early-stage vinyl enthusiasts to upgrade their phono preamp before spending money on a new cartridge or stylus, arguing that most built-in phono preamps are low quality and prevent users from hearing what their current cartridge is truly capable of.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- iFi Zen Phono 3 [00:04:22]: Phono preamp priced around $249-$300, supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, features subsonic filter, described as “pretty great stylish phono preamp”
- Ortofon Red cartridge [00:02:44]: Entry-level cartridge mentioned as example
- Ortofon Blue and Bronze styluses [00:02:45]: Upgrade options people often consider
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Built-in phono preamps in turntables are typically low quality, made with “pennies on the dollar” components [00:03:43]
- Phono preamps in receivers/amplifiers are also usually not very good unless they’re high-end [00:04:04]
- Upgrading cartridges without first upgrading the phono preamp is a mistake he’s made “since the 70s probably a dozen maybe a hundred times” [00:03:02]
- People can’t truly know what their current cartridge is capable of without a proper phono preamp [00:03:34]
What are the host’s main recommendations or warnings?
- Main recommendation: Upgrade your phono preamp before upgrading your cartridge [00:03:27]
- Warning: Don’t assume upgrading to a better cartridge (like Ortofon Blue or Bronze) will “double your pleasure” – it doesn’t work that way [00:02:52]
- Advice: “Slow your roll” on rapid upgrades and consider the phono preamp first [00:02:21]
Summary
The video opens with host Bob from United States of Analog addressing turntable beginners who are looking to upgrade their systems. After some personal housekeeping about weather delays in Austin, Texas and showing off his new t-shirt design, Bob gets to his main point: people should upgrade their phono preamp before chasing cartridge upgrades.
Bob argues that most people make the mistake of upgrading cartridges (like going from an Ortofon Red to Blue or Bronze) without first addressing the weak link in their system – the built-in phono preamp. He emphasizes that these built-in units, whether in turntables or receivers, are typically made with cheap components and prevent users from hearing what their current cartridge is actually capable of producing.
To illustrate his point, Bob introduces the iFi Zen Phono 3, a $249-$300 standalone phono preamp that supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. He describes it as having become a regular part of his upstairs system and highlights features like its subsonic filter. The transcript cuts off as he begins discussing the unit’s UFO-like design, but his central message is clear: invest in a quality phono preamp before spending money on cartridge upgrades.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
Gear, Products, or Brands Discussed
- iFi Zen Fono 3 (phono preamp) – $249 [00:06:08]
- Technics SUG700 amplifier – $3,000 [00:08:08]
- General mention of DACs in the $100 price range [00:08:50]
- Moving magnet and moving coil cartridges [00:07:18, 00:07:41]
Host’s Key Findings, Verdicts, or Opinions
- Strong recommendation for phono stage upgrade priority: “I do think the Fono Stage is the first upgrade you should make” [00:06:18]
- Positive verdict on iFi Zen Fono 3: “I think the price is right. I don’t think you’re ever going to regret getting something like this” [00:06:28]
- Performance guarantee: Will be “a lot better than the Phono Stage built into your turntable and most likely built into your amp unless you have some kind of $3,000, $5,000 amplifier” [00:07:43]
- Equipment similarity opinion: “One $100 DAC is going to sound pretty much like another $100 DAC” [00:08:50]
Price/Value Assessments
- iFi Zen Fono 3 at $249 considered good value, especially compared to $200 cartridge upgrades [00:05:46]
- Technics SUG700 cited as example of expensive amplifier ($3,000) that justifies having good built-in phono stage [00:08:08]
- Discussion of diminishing returns in budget audio equipment [00:08:44]
Audiophile Tips, Advice, or How-To Content
- Setup simplicity: For moving magnet cartridges, “put this into position number one, plug it in, hit the subsonic filter, you’re good to go” [00:07:21]
- Upgrade priority advice: Upgrade phono stage before buying new cartridge – “You really don’t know what your current cartridge is capable of” [00:06:14]
- Research methodology: “watch a lot of reviews. Not just mine… Get all the information that you can” [00:09:32]
Memorable Quotes or Strong Takes
- “I guarantee you, I guarantee you, this is going to be better than the Phono Stage, a lot better than the Phono Stage built into your turntable” [00:07:41]
- “Don’t get hung up on perfection, man. First of all, as I’ve always said, music first” [00:09:21]
- “Listen to the music. Don’t listen to your gear” [00:09:29]
- “One $100 DAC is going to sound pretty much like another $100 DAC, even though reviewers are going to tell you different” [00:08:50]
Summary
In this portion of the video, the host Bob provides a strong endorsement of the iFi Zen Fono 3 phono preamp at $249, arguing that upgrading the phono stage should take priority over purchasing a new cartridge. He emphasizes that many listeners don’t realize the potential of their current cartridges because they’re being held back by inferior built-in phono stages in turntables or amplifiers. The host guarantees that this standalone unit will outperform most integrated phono stages unless you have a high-end amplifier in the $3,000-5,000 range.
Bob takes time to address the broader audiophile community and YouTube reviewers, suggesting that there’s often over-analysis of budget audio equipment when the actual sonic differences are marginal. He argues that at lower price points, it’s more about avoiding objectionable characteristics rather than chasing perfection, and uses the example that most $100 DACs sound very similar despite what other reviewers might claim.
The host concludes this section with philosophical advice for newcomers to audio, emphasizing a “music first” approach rather than obsessing over gear. He encourages thorough research from multiple sources when making purchasing decisions, comparing it to the due diligence one would do when buying a car or camera. Throughout, he maintains that the iFi Zen Fono 3 represents good value and doesn’t add any objectionable sonic characteristics to the listening experience.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- Zen phono preamp – the main product being reviewed [10:20-15:00]
- Pro-Jack – mentioned as alternative brand option [10:28]
- IEMA – mentioned as alternative brand option [10:32]
- Dukes – mentioned as alternative brand option [10:32]
- SMSL – mentioned as alternative brand option [10:33]
- Moving magnet cartridges – discussed in context of gain settings [12:18]
- Moving coil cartridges – discussed in context of gain settings [12:24]
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[10:54-11:01] The host reiterates for the third time that upgrading to an external phono preamp “is the first upgrade you should make in your turntable journey.”
[13:00-13:10] He emphasizes this isn’t just a stepping stone upgrade but “building the foundation of a good system.”
[14:56-15:07] His final conclusion: “I think this is the best way to make a first upgrade. I want you to beware of chasing cartridges when you should be building a better sound foundation with a phono preamp.”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
- Strong buy recommendation for external phono preamps as first upgrade [14:56-15:00]
- Wait and save up if price is an obstacle rather than buying something cheaper [14:16-14:20]
- Do research on different phono preamp options to understand their sound characteristics [10:37-10:53]
- Avoid chasing cartridge upgrades before establishing a proper phono preamp foundation [15:00-15:07]
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- Gain settings guidance: Most users with moving magnet cartridges should use position 1, moving coil users can try position 2 but shouldn’t go higher [12:16-12:28]
- Research approach: Focus less on specs and more on understanding the sound character/flavor of different units [10:41-10:53]
- Price consideration: If cost is prohibitive, be patient and save rather than compromise [14:16-14:20]
How did the video wrap up?
[14:48-15:30] The host wrapped up by asking viewers to share thoughts in comments, requesting likes/subscribes, reiterating his core message about phono preamps vs. cartridge upgrades, then directing viewers to YouTube’s suggested next video before signing off with “We’ll see you next time here in United States of analog. Cheers.”
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[12:56-12:58] “And isn’t that what it’s all about?” – regarding making vocals and instruments feel more real
[13:33-13:36] “It’s just going to feel more right” – describing the sound improvement
[14:32-14:36] “It makes you wonder what they’re putting into the tone arm, right? Or the cartridge” – skeptical comment about cheap turntables with Bluetooth/USB features
[15:00-15:07] “I want you to beware of chasing cartridges when you should be building a better sound foundation with a phono preamp. That’s my honest belief.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Zen phono preamp’s features and his reasoning for why it represents the ideal first upgrade for turntable enthusiasts. He details the technical aspects including RIAA equalization, adjustable load settings, subsonic filtering, and four gain positions, while explaining how these features translate to improved sound quality with clearer highs, tighter bass, and better instrument separation compared to built-in phono preamps.
The host acknowledges alternatives from brands like Pro-Jack, IEMA, Dukes, and SMSL, encouraging viewers to research the sonic characteristics of different units rather than focusing solely on specifications. He positions this upgrade not as a temporary stepping stone but as building “the foundation of a good system” that will make future cartridge upgrades more impactful. He describes the sound improvements in enthusiastic terms – more 3D presentation, better depth, clearer drums, and vocals that feel “more real.”
The video concludes with his strongest recommendation against the common practice of chasing cartridge upgrades first, emphasizing that viewers should “beware of chasing cartridges when you should be building a better sound foundation with a phono preamp.” He acknowledges some drawbacks like the lack of Bluetooth/USB features found in cheaper turntables and suggests patience for those concerned about price, reinforcing that this foundational upgrade approach represents his “honest belief” about the best path forward for turntable enthusiasts.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
