I'm New To Vinyl - Which Turntable Should I Buy?

George, the phono stage/phono preamp are different names for the same thing. The connections are turntable to phono stage to a line in on your preamp. Many say that the phono stage is the most critical amplification with tt's. Also, you can get mm cartridges and mc cartridges. They need to suit the arm you choose. when you choose one or the other , start a thread asking for what to go with it. MC cartridges need extra amplification compared to mm cartridges. some phono stages, like the Ear 834P (just sold one, very good used buy) has both on it. My present phono stage, the Fi Yph, has only mm amplification, and i uase a stepup transformer in line before the phono stage, specially made to amplify my mc cartridge (Denon dl103) enough. I hope this is clear.

Gilbodavid:
Thanks for clarifying that for me. In your post, you said MC cartridges need more amplification... do you mean in the preamp stage, or in the final amplifier?
Tnx

Mc cartridges need extra amplification before the phono stage, usually in the form of a step-up transformer designed for the job. Phono stages can have the transformer built in or an extra amplification circuit to do the job. Which is better is a hotly debated subject, to only be answered by your ears, for you. I've only heard the trannie option