audiolab PPA7 Phono Preamplifier

Audiolab PPA7 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

The Audiolab PPA7 is a compact phono preamplifier for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. It boosts the tiny signal from your cartridge and applies RIAA equalization, so your amplifier receives a clean line-level signal.

It also adds a dedicated headphone amplifier, a Bluetooth transmitter with aptX HD, and USB-C recording to a PC or Mac. The PPA7 is available in Black or Silver.

Cartridge Loading You Set From the Front Panel

The MM input runs at the standard 47k ohms, with a choice of 100pF or 220pF capacitance. The MC input offers 100 ohm or 330 ohm loading for low-output cartridges. You set these from the menu and remote, not with switches hidden under the unit.

Regulated Power for a Quiet Background

The PPA7 runs from a 12V DC adapter. Separate internal regulation stages then create symmetrical +8.5V and -8.5V rails for the analog circuitry. Audiolab rates signal-to-noise at 80dB A-weighted for both MM and MC.

Headphones, Bluetooth and USB Recording

A current-feedback headphone amplifier drives headphones from 20 to 600 ohms through a 6.3mm jack. Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD sends your records to wireless headphones or speakers. The USB-C output records vinyl to a computer at up to 24-bit/192kHz, with recording gain from -12dB to +3dB.

How the PPA7 Fits Your System

The PPA7's RCA output connects your turntable to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, power amplifier or active speakers. Use the fixed output setting with amplifiers that have their own volume control. Use the adjustable setting with power amps and active speakers.

It is sized to match the Audiolab D7 and sits alongside Audiolab 6000 and 7000 Series components. 12V trigger input and output let it switch on with the rest of your system.

What it will not do: it has no balanced XLR outputs and no line-level inputs for other sources. Its Bluetooth only sends audio out, so it cannot receive music from a phone. The USB-C port records to a computer; it is not a DAC input.

Who Is This Phono Preamplifier Best For?

• Upgraders from a built-in phono input — A dedicated phono stage with adjustable loading in place of your amplifier's basic input.
• MC cartridge owners and future upgraders — Separate MM and MC inputs with selectable loading for both types.
• Headphone listeners — A dedicated headphone amplifier plus aptX HD Bluetooth for wireless headphones.
• Collectors archiving their records — USB-C recording to PC or Mac, with adjustable recording gain.
• Not for balanced systems — If your amplifier needs an XLR phono feed, the PPA7's RCA-only output will not suit it.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

• Connect your turntable's left and right RCA leads to the MM or MC input. Attach the turntable's ground wire to the Ground terminal.
• Run an RCA interconnect from the PPA7's Pre Outputs to your amplifier or active speakers.
• In the menu, set Pre Out Level. Choose Fixed for an amplifier with its own volume control. Choose Adjustable for a power amp or active speakers.
• Plug in the supplied 12V power adapter, select MM or MC, and choose the loading for your cartridge.
• Optional: plug headphones into the 6.3mm jack, pair Bluetooth headphones or speakers, or connect a computer by USB-C to record.

The PPA7 is available in Black or Silver. The 12V trigger cables (3.5mm) are not included.

Pairs Well With

Build out your vinyl system with these categories:

• Turntables
• Phono Cartridges
• Integrated Amplifiers
• Headphones

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the PPA7 work with both MM and MC cartridges?

Yes. It has a separate input for each type. MM gain is +46dB and MC gain is +60dB, with selectable loading for each.

Can I connect it straight to active speakers?

Yes. Set Pre Out Level to Adjustable, and the PPA7's volume control sets the output level. The range is -78dB to 0dB.

Can I stream from my phone to the PPA7 over Bluetooth?

No. The PPA7 has a Bluetooth transmitter, not a receiver. It sends your records to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, with aptX HD on compatible devices.

Can I record my vinyl to a computer?

Yes. Connect a PC or Mac by USB-C and enable USB Record in the menu. It records at 44.1kHz to 192kHz in 16 or 24-bit.

What comes in the box?

A power adapter, remote control and user manual.

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Learn More

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