GrooVcare Miniphono 3 MM Phono Preamp

The GrooVcare Miniphono 3 is a compact dedicated moving magnet (MM) phono preamplifier, designed to provide accurate RIAA equalisation and the correct gain structure required for MM cartridge playback. Built as a simple and effective analogue front-end solution, the Miniphono 3 allows turntables without an onboard phono stage to connect directly to standard line-level inputs on amplifiers, integrated amplifiers, or active speakers.

Its purpose is to amplify the extremely low-level signal from an MM cartridge while applying the standardised RIAA playback curve, restoring proper tonal balance and frequency response.

The inclusion of both RCA line outputs and a 6.3mm TRS output makes it more flexible than many entry-level phono stages, allowing integration into both traditional hi-fi and certain studio or headphone-based setups.

Specifications

Phono Stage Design

• Type: Moving Magnet (MM) phono preamplifier
• Equalisation: RIAA compliant
• Gain optimised for MM cartridges

Cartridge Compatibility

• Moving Magnet (MM) only

Input Impedance

• 47kΩ

This is the standard loading for MM cartridges and ensures correct electrical matching.

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

• 1 × Stereo RCA input

Outputs

• 1 × Stereo RCA line output
• 1 × 6.3mm TRS jack output

The TRS output provides additional flexibility depending on system requirements.

Power Supply

• External PSU: 12V DC
• Current Rating: 150mA

External power supplies help isolate transformer noise from the sensitive phono amplification stage.

Application

The Miniphono 3 is suitable for:

• turntables fitted with MM cartridges
• vintage turntable systems
• integrated amplifiers without phono input
• powered speaker systems
• compact desktop vinyl setups

Sonic Characteristics

A properly designed MM phono stage like the Miniphono 3 can provide:

• correct tonal balance via RIAA equalisation
• improved gain matching
• reduced noise versus improvised solutions
• cleaner vinyl playback signal transfer

Its compact footprint and simple connectivity make it ideal for entry-level to mid-level analogue systems where reliable phono amplification is required.

A straightforward dedicated MM phono preamp offering proper RIAA equalisation, standard 47kΩ loading, and flexible RCA/TRS output connectivity for vinyl playback systems.