How can something so simple be so hard to do? A phono stage only has to take the signal from your phono cartridge and send it to your stereo so you can listen to jams. As it turns out, it is quite tricky to do well. The signal generated by a phono cartridge is tiny, so it needs to be boosted. The signal also needs to be adjusted to account for the limitations found in vinyl LP’s. A quiet power supply is required for the signal gain and a good one is expensive. And the signal needs equalization applied to correct the signal. Again, not easy or inexpensive. Don't let all of this scare you, we are qualified to recommend the right brand to fit your needs.