Phonostages — Echo Diastasis PH-79 Reference

The PH-79 Reference is a phono preamplifier from Echo Diastasis, a manufacturer based in Greece whose current range also includes the PRE-79 v.2 preamplifier, the A-79 v.2 power amplifier and the I-79 v.2 integrated amplifier. It replaces the earlier PH-79 and brings a stiffer frame, a new front panel with easier switches, double the power supply capacity, aluminium legs for vibration isolation, a shorter signal path on a redesigned board, low-capacitance OCC internal wiring and new output devices able to supply more current into longer cables.

Key specs that matter

Two single-ended RCA inputs and one stereo RCA output are fitted, with gold-plated Teflon-insulated connectors. Gain is switchable in three steps - 43 dB for moving magnet, 61 dB for high-output moving coil and 67 dB for low-output moving coil. Input loading can be set to 47, 100, 220, 470 or 1,000 ohm, or to 47 kohm. The maker quotes RIAA curve accuracy within 0.05 dB from 20 Hz to 100 kHz, distortion of 0.007 percent on the MM setting and 0.027 percent on the MC setting, and A-weighted noise of -90 dB for MM with a 5 mV input and -79 dB for MC with 0.5 mV. The chassis measures 465 x 340 x 115 mm and weighs 9 kg.

Engineering and use context

Echo Diastasis uses a dual-mono layout that runs with zero negative feedback. The RIAA equalisation is split across two active stages without global feedback, and a buffer stage follows them to drive difficult loads and long interconnects. Power comes from specially designed E-core transformers intended to reject radio frequency noise arriving from the mains. Semiconductors and passive parts are matched during production, with around 80 percent of components rejected, and critical points are checked by measurements at each stage of assembly. The two standby inputs keep the circuit powered so the unit stays ready to play.

Pairing

The wide gain span means one unit covers moving-magnet cartridges as well as low-output moving coils without a step-up transformer, and the six loading values let the input be matched to the resistance a cartridge maker specifies. Thanks to the second input, two turntables or a deck carrying two tonearms may remain wired in permanently. Any line-level input on a control amplifier accepts its RCA output, and the brand's own I-79 v.2 or PRE-79 v.2 complete the chain within the same family.

Alternatives

The original Echo Diastasis PH-79 is the only other phono stage from the brand, offering the same three gain settings before the Reference upgrades to power supply, chassis and output devices.