Phono Pre-Amplifier - Eastern Hi fi

Rega ARIA MK3 MM/MC Phono stage

graham — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 01:21:55 +0000

ARIA MK3 MM/MC

Housed within our latest half width custom designed case to give it a fresh new look and match the range are two entirely separate, high performance phono stages. One fully adjustable, dedicated moving coil and one moving magnet. Each stage is designed and engineered to maximise the potential of your vinyl system whilst remaining easy to use and set up.

The Aria is an “all analogue amplifier” with no digital control circuitry. The fully aluminium case screens the internal circuit from any stray RFI signals. Our designers have avoided including any superfluous gadgets as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aria incorporates many innovative design ideas including a self-adjusting servo control to keep the MC input circuit at its optimum, compensating for any variations in ambient or operating temperature.

Both stages have their own separate input sockets and input pre-amplifier circuitry. This enabled us to design bespoke input circuitry for each cartridge type without compromise. Signal switching is performed at high level and low impedance (via relays) ensuring there is no degradation of the signal.

High performance switchable MC & MM stage
Fully adjustable MC stage
MC input uses parallel connected low noise FET’s
MM input uses low noise bipolar transistors
Custom designed case
All analogue amplifier
Bespoke input circuitry for MM & MC
Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

MM Stage design & features

The MM input uses low noise, bipolar input transistors also configured as a compound pair. There are two separate power supplies for each channel and further sub-power supplies for each of the low noise input circuits. Nichicon FG electrolytic capacitors have been used in critical positions throughout the power supplies. Polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and equalization networks. Discrete circuitry is used throughout the signal path ensuring full control of the circuit design.

MC Stage Design & Features

The MC input uses parallel connected, low noise FETs (Field Effect Transistors) configured as a compound pair. The use of FET transistors ensures there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The MC input has the provision for selecting resistive input loading of 70 Ω to 400 Ω and capacitive loading of 1000 pF to 4200 pF. The input sensitivity can be changed by 6 dB via the back panel.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Output Level: 11 V RMS
Rated Output Level: 200 mV
Output Resistance: 100 Ω
Minimum Output Resistance for a -3 dB @ 15Hz: 1 k
Power Consumption: 10 W
Ambient Operating Temperature: 5 to 35 °C
Dimensions (W × H × D): 218 x 78 x 315 mm
Weight: 3.1Kg

Rega AURA MC Phono Stage

graham — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 01:16:14 +0000

AURA MC REFERENCE PHONO STAGE

The reference Aura MC stage is the culmination of decades of electronic design development. We have created the ultimate, fully adjustable, three-stage, all symmetrical pre-amplifier designed purely to extract the very best performance from your moving coil cartridge and vinyl playback system.

Design Innovation

Built into a completely re-designed custom case, the Aura is dedicated to moving coil cartridges and stays clear of any compromises. We have avoided including any superfluous functions as they obstruct the signal path and degrade the sound quality. The Aura phono pre-amp incorporates remarkable and innovative design ideas. If you are a vinyl connoisseur, then the Aura MC is an absolute must for demonstration.

Three stage, all symmetrical pre-amplifier
Compatible with all typical low output moving coil cartridges
Fully adjustable
Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

FIRST STAGE
The first stage is a symmetrical, complementary class A amplifier, using parallel connected Linear Systems ultra-low noise FET (Field Effect Transistor) transistors configured as a symmetrical compound pair input stage. The use of FET transistors ensures there is no bias current flowing in the cartridge coil so as not to upset the delicate magnetic geometry of the cartridge. The input circuit configuration also alleviates the use of any coupling components between the cartridge output and the input stage FET transistors, which would degrade the sound. The complementary ultra-low noise FET transistors are carefully graded and matched for optimum performance. This stage drives the passive high-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage.
- SECOND STAGE
  The second stage is a symmetrical, class A, differential amplifier with a common base driver stage; this is also used as the active amplifier in the low-frequency part of the RIAA equalisation stage.
  - THIRD STAGE
    
    The third stage inverts the signal to provide the balanced output along with the output of the second stage; the third stage uses the same circuit topology as used in the second stage. The power supply is a symmetrical, discrete tracking power supply using fast diodes and a low noise voltage reference. Each stage has its own localised power supply and LED referenced current generators. To maximise headroom, the Aura has a power supply voltage, which is 60% higher than normally found in such a pre-amplifier. Very high quality, polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path. 1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors are used in the RIAA EQ stages and audio grade capacitors are used in the rest of the circuit. Gain, Mute and Mono switching is implemented using high-quality relays.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Input Load

50, 100, 150, 300 & 400 Ω

Capacitive Load

1000, 2000, 3200, 4300, 5700 pF

RIAA Accuracy

0.2 dB 100 Hz to 50 kHz

Frequency Response

13.5 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB)

THD

0.03%

Input Sensitivity

69.5 dB (Gain Setting I), 63.5 dB (Gain Setting II)

Dimensions (W x H x D)

350 x 435 x 88 mm

Weight

13 kg

Thorens MM002 Phono Preamp

graham — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 23:36:54 +0000

The all-new Thorens MM 002 phono preamplifier replaces and upgrades the renowned MM 001. Developed from the ground up, the MM 002 is a clear step forward, offering excellent Moving Magnet sound quality, and exceptionally low noise levels, at a very affordable price point.

KEY FEATURES:
• High quality MM phono pre-amplifier
• Binding post for tonearm earth shielding wire
• Small footprint

OUR THOUGHTS:
• An excellent, small footprint phono-stage

Thorens MM008

graham — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 23:32:19 +0000

This is the smaller brother to the 008ADC, not having the D to A converter.

Apart from that you can still expect exceptional performance from this dynamic little preamp.

It will not disappoint.

Plinius P100 Phono Pre amplifier MM/MC

graham — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:54:52 +0000

This compact little unit packs a powerful punch. Delivering on style as well as acoustic performance, the P100 joins the Plinius range, proving that good things really do come in small packages…

The Plinius P100 Phono Preamplifier boasts the clean lines and minimalism synonymous with the Plinius aesthetic. The sleek curved chassis is left bare with the exception of a blue LED indicator and Plinius branding.

Amplification and equilisation circuitry in the P100 are derived from the Phono stage in its big brother the Hiato, and are comprised of the latest componentry ensuring longevity. Low output MC cartridges as well as higher output MM cartridges can be used and there is the ability to adjust Loading, Gain and Input Capacitance on the rear panel for wide compatibility.

Featuring both single ended and balanced output signals, as well as passive high frequency and active low frequency equilisation, the P100 will deliver on the Plinius promise of pure, powerful sophistication, no matter what the situation.

Delicately amplifying even the tiniest of signals and ultimately revealing extraordinary audio detail, the P100 is the flourishing touch to complete your high-fi audio set-up.

Plinius KORU High End Phono Stage

graham — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 23:50:13 +0000

The power supply boasts a virtual battery approach with over 100,000 micro Farads of capacitance and very sophisticated 2 stage regulation. This ensures the lowest impedance and consequently extreme accuracy of power delivery to the amplification stages.

The amplification and equalisation uses the latest components ensuring accuracy and longevity. Low output moving coil cartridges as well as higher output moving magnet types can be used and there is a full range of user adjustments available on the rear panel.

Both Single Ended and Balanced Output signals are catered for and with passive high frequency and active low frequency equalisation the Koru Phono Preamplifier will maintain stability and finesse no matter what type of music you enjoy.

Handling the original analogue signal from the vinyl with modern electronics components and layout techniques is a satisfying way to mix the old and new technology for a listening session with your favourite artists.

Rega Fono MM Phono Stage

graham — Sat, 02 Jul 2022 00:35:33 +0000

The perfect partner

The aesthetic design of the Fono MM was as important as the quality of its electrical capabilities, so it benefits from the same updated aluminium case as the Rega Neo and Fono MC amplifier, giving it a design which offers a familiar feel and moreover brings it in line with its illustrious bigger brothers. The RIAA equalization has been split into two stages to minimise interaction. Polyester capacitors have been used in the signal path and polypropylene capacitors are used in the RIAA equalization circuits.

KEY FEATURES

Dedicated Moving Magnet stage
Simple connectivity and operation
Custom case design
Two stage RIAA Equalization
What Hi-Fi? Award winner 2017/2018/2019/2020/2021
Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Input Sensitivity	1.7 mV for 200 mV Output
Input Loading	47 kΩ in parallel with 100 pF
Maximum Input Level	60 mV at 1 kHz
Gain	41.4 dB at 1 kHz
Output Impedance	200 Ω
Recommended Minimum Output Load Resistance	5 kΩ
Frequency response (50KΩ output load)	15 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.2 dB)
RIAA Accuracy (50 kΩ Output Load)	Better than ±0.2 dB 100 Hz to 100 kHz
Power Requirements	24 V AC at 80 mA maximum

Rega has once again succeeded in all it set out to do. That Award-winning sound oozes through our speakers, yet with the lowered noise floor offering more clarity and expanding the horizons of its dynamic range.

WHAT HI-FI?

Rega Fono MC MK4 Phono Stage

graham — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 23:33:59 +0000

The Fono MC MK4 has been designed to be effective, easy to use, and above all, to reproduce music. The Fono MC MK4 uses the Linear Systems low noise LSK389 FET in an all discrete input stage where low noise and linearity are vitally important to get the best from an MC cartridge. Because of the high input impedance of FET, the loading effects of the amplifier circuit are minuscule and do not affect the performance of the cartridge.

KEY FEATURES

Dedicated moving coil phono stage
Simple connectivity and operation
Fully adjustable via DIP switches via rear panel
MUSE operational amplifier used in RIAA equalization amplifer
Two selectable gain settings
Default factory settings matched for all Rega MC models
Latest design custom casework
Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects

A MUSE operational amplifier is used in the RIAA equalization amplifier. Polypropylene capacitors have been used in the signal path and in the RIAA equalization circuits. There is selectable input loading for both resistance and capacitance along with two different gain settings located on the back panel making the Fono MC MK4 compatible with most low output MC cartridges. The new Fono MC MK4 circuit resulted from the development work carried out on the hugely successful Aria phono amplifier.

The aesthetic design of the Fono MC MK4 was as important as the quality of its electrical capabilities, so it benefits from the same new aluminium case as the Rega Neo MK2 PSU and Fono MM MK5 phono stage, giving it a design which offers a familiar feel and moreover brings it in line with its illustrious bigger brothers.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Output Impedance	200 Ω
Recommended Minimum Output Load Resistance	5 k
Frequency Response (50 kΩ Output Load)	13 Hz (-3 dB) to 100 kHz (-0.3 dB)
RIAA Accuracy (50 kΩ Output Load)	Better than ±0.2 dB 100 Hz to 100 kHz
Power Requirements	24 V AC at 150 mA maximum

LOAD SETTINGS FOR ADJUSTABLE MC STAGES

Input Sensitivity (for 200 mV Output)	4 off = 133 uV / 4 on = 67 uV
Input Loading Resistance	1 and 2 off = 400 Ω / 1 on = 100 Ω / 2 on = 150 Ω / 1 and 2 on = 70 Ω
Input Loading Capacitance	3 off = 1000 pF / 3 on = 4300 pF / Gain (at 1 kHz) / 4 off = 63.5 dB / 4 on = 69.5 dB
Maximum Input Level (at 1 kHz)	4 off = 6.7 mV / 4 on = 3.4 mV
Factory settings for all Rega MC cartridges	Impedance 100 Ω / Capacitance 1000 pF / Gain Setting High

Flexible setup and compact handsome appearance. An outstanding affordable MC phono stage that delivers superb performance.

Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Phono Pre-amplifier

graham — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 02:35:42 +0000

Tube phono-preamplifier

Innovative miniature sized phono preamplifier with tube output and high end sound! Tube Box S2 is our very first product to feature a fully discreet circuit design without using any operational amplifiers (OpAmps). It also is the first product to come with replaceable tubes for tube rolling and sound-shaping. This gives the customer many options to pick from and alter the sound signature to his preference. Tube Box S2 will give a full and relaxed laid back sound with lush mids, just like you would expect it from a much bigger high end tube phono pre-amplifier. It offers support for both MM and MC cartridges and comes with many gain settings to be switched on the front panel. Five variable input impedance settings are available to adjust to any MM cartridge, the 47k ohm input impedance setting is fixed and suited for high output MC cartridges. The aluminium/metal casing is adapted to our DS2 line in looks and protects against vibrations and electromagnetic interferences for superior sound.

Plinius Koru Phono Pre Amplifier

graham — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 23:46:15 +0000