My amp DOES have a Phono Input, but my cartridges are low output. Can I use this to boost the signal using the Phono Input to reduce audible hiss?

No, you can't. This is a phono preamp with RIAA playback equalization that amplifies the signal about 100 times, so it essentially does what your built-in phono preamp does. The output signal from the separate preamp is equalized to a nominally "flat" frequency response and the amplified signal level will overload and probably damage your built-in phono preamp. Plug it into any other stereo line input on your system (AUX, CD, DVD, TAPE, VCR, etc.), but NOT the PHONO input! If you need higher signal gain, maybe look at phono preamps from ART or TCC that have output level controls. If you use moving-coil (MC) cartridges, you need a preamp specifically designed for them...they require at least 55 dB (over 500 times) signal gain vs. about 40 dB (100 times) for moving-magnet (MM) cartridges. Noise becomes a critical issue with MC cartridges because of their extremely low signal output, so good-quality cables and good turntable grounding are essential.

My turntable has very quiet output. Will this device help boost the volume?

Yes, indeed. If your need was like mine (no built-in pre-amp on the turntable and no specifically dedicated phono input on your amplifier) you will find this unit to be the perfect solution to needed amplification of the turntable's output. Don't forget to hook up the ground wire as directed or you may wind up putting unwanted noise into the audio.

Unit works fine for awhile and then starts outputting static, even with no input connected. I've tried it with several amps with the same results.

Most likely people who are having noise problems it is because of ground loop isolation problem. If you have a ground loop isolation problem grounding the preamp box is unlikely to help. Without getting technical, what you want to buy is a ground loop isolator or a humm eliminator; both the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator tackles the cause of the noise at the fundamental source of the problem, depending on your audio setup, one maybe easier to use than the other. To use the ground loop isolator or the humm eliminator they generally come with instructions, or you can google this topic. If the noise in your audio system isn't fixed by using this solution the first time, try putting the ground loop isolator and humm eliminator at various points in your audio system. Also you can talk to audio people and get advice about how to fix ground loop problems from people who setup big audio systems, for concerts and such; if you talk to the average electronic garage shop audio enthusiast you are likely to get bad advice, i.e., meaningless explanations. Also caution must be used when Googling this topic, much of the discussion, advice and explanation on this topic is bogus, you can get a general correct feel of this topic if you read a number of explanations. Also one more thing that can cause a "popping noise" is that you have too much gain, this is a phono amp and the gain is huge, it takes a 3mV and makes it 2Vp-p this is a gain of around 100 to 200, if you gain up the audio signal too much then the signal out of your amplifier runs out of head room and clips, this can cause a popping sound, essentially you have too much gain. If this is occurring you need to either buy a preamp with less gain or attenuate the signal before it gets to the preamp. If this is a problem, too much gain, you can buy preamps with gain control.

Product Dimensions	2.54 x 8.89 x 5.33 cm; 270 g
Item model number	PP444
Colour	Black
Output Wattage	5 Watts
Voltage	110 Volts
Item Weight	270 g

Phono Turntable Preamp - Mini Electronic Audio Stereo Phonograph Preamplifier with RCA Input, RCA Output & Low Noise Operation Powered by 12 Volt DC Adapter (PP444), Gray

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