Phonostages — Remton audio 481 MK2

The 481 MK2 is a valve phono stage from Remton Audio, the Prague firm whose products are handcrafted in Czechia. It follows the limited 481 and keeps that model's chassis and valve line-up while opening it to low output moving coil cartridges. A second input and a switchable gain structure are the main practical changes, and the equalisation stage still relies on NOS Tesla resistors.

Key specs that matter

Two single-ended inputs are fitted, with no balanced connection. Gain has three settings - 42 dB for MM, 62 dB for high output MC and 68 dB for low output MC. Input impedance is adjustable from 36 ohm to 100 kOhm, while the capacitance selector offers 0, 47, 100, 147, 220, 267 or 367 pF. Output impedance is 250 ohm. Remton quotes the RIAA response as 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.3 dB. The valve complement is four matched JJ ECC81. The case measures 386 x 295 x 85 mm, and the unit weighs 8 kg, one kilogram more than the original version.

Engineering and use context

Equalisation is passive, and the design uses zero negative feedback throughout. The NOS Tesla resistors were chosen for a deviation of only 0.25 dB between 20 Hz and 50 kHz, which is why they sit in the RIAA network. Plate voltage comes from a DC high voltage supply with a soft start circuit, powered by a toroidal transformer, and Remton states that each build uses hand selected parts. The input and output sockets carry gold plating. Two variants were announced - a moving magnet version priced just under EUR 3,200, and a moving coil version fitted with internal step-up transformers at just under EUR 4,200, so the high MC gain figures are reached through transformers rather than extra valve stages. Coverage is two years for parts and labour, and 90 days for the valves.

Pairing

The pair of inputs lets two tonearms, or two turntables, remain wired up together, such as a moving magnet cartridge on one input and a low output moving coil on the other. Loading that reaches this low covers the values many moving coil makers recommend, while the upper end of the range matches standard 47 kOhm MM practice. The low output impedance suits a valve or transistor line stage and longer interconnects. Owners using the capacitance steps should add the cable capacitance of the tonearm lead to the chosen value.

Alternatives

The Remton V383 MK2 is a further Remton design for both cartridge types, using three JJ ECC83S valves and gain settings of 46, 66 and 72 dB in a 7 kg chassis of the same size.