Glossary term

RIAA equalization

The standardized complementary recording and playback frequency-response characteristic used for ordinary RIAA records. A suitable phono stage applies the playback characteristic as well as gain.

Explained in depth

Turntables & analog sources

Phono vs line: which input should your turntable use?

A magnetic cartridge’s phono signal needs suitable gain and playback equalization before feeding a normal line input. A turntable set to LINE has already applied its built-in phono processing. Match the output mode to the receiving input, and match the phono stage to the actual cartridge. Identical RCA plugs do not establish compatibility.

PN
Pure Neo editorial
Updated 4 Oct 2026