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RCA. Most often, in this case, a linear output is meant in the form of a pair of RCA connectors (“tulip”) - one for each stereo channel. This output is designed to transmit a line-level audio signal to other system components - for example, an audio receiver or active speakers. The RCA connector itself is considered standard for a linear interface; inputs of this type are available in most stationary audio devices.
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XLR. Another type of line output (see “RCA” above), in this case, built on XLR connectors. The main advantage of this interface is that it provides the so-called. balanced connection, allowing you to work with long cables without compromising sound quality. In addition, the connectors themselves provide a tight connection and are equipped with latches for additional reliability. On the other hand, they are noticeably larger than the same RCAs, and therefore are used mainly in professional phono stages, for which the mentioned advantages are key.
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USB (type B). Output for connecting a phono stage to computer equipment. The presence of this connector allows you to digitize audio compositions from records and other media (for example, from tapes and reels) and save them in computer memory for further processing or for transferring to a smartphone/MP3 player, for example.
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Coaxial S/P-DIF.
...Audio output for digital sound transmission via RCA connector. This connector should not be confused with a “regular” linear RCA - in this case, one socket and a fundamentally different signal transmission format are used, it is also advisable to have a special shielded cable. In terms of capabilities, the coaxial interface is similar to the optical one and differs from it, on the one hand, in being more sensitive to interference, and on the other hand, in being a more durable and unpretentious cable.
— Optical. Another type of digital audio output that uses, as the name suggests, a fiber optic cable. The main advantage of this connection is its complete insensitivity to electromagnetic interference. On the other hand, the cable itself is quite delicate and requires careful handling.
- On headphones. Specialized output for connecting headphones directly to the phono stage. Typically uses a 3.5 mm mini-Jack or 6.35 mm Jack connector. Note that direct connection of “ears” in this case is provided not so much for ordinary listening to music, but for special tasks. For example, a DJ playing a set or a sound engineer recording music from a record to an external device can use headphones to constantly monitor the sound entering the phono outputs.
- Trigger. A service output that allows the phono stage to be used to automatically turn on other components of the audio system. When “waking up,” the corrector sends a control signal through this output, and devices connected to it with trigger inputs turn on automatically. This eliminates the need to enable each component separately.
