Phonostages — Schiit Audio STJARNA

Schiit Audio built the Stjarna as a phono preamplifier and applied its value-focused approach to this dedicated design. In the Schiit phono range it sits close to the related Skoll F.

Key specs that matter

The Stjarna offers two single-ended inputs and 60 dB of fixed gain. Output impedance is 10 ohms. Frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 3 dB, with distortion plus noise under 0.6%. The case measures 406 x 203 x 76.2 mm and weighs 4.54 kg, which makes it a substantial chassis for a phono stage.

Engineering and use context

With such high fixed gain, a low-output moving-coil cartridge plugs straight into the Stjarna, and the usual step-up stage between cartridge and preamp becomes unnecessary.

Pairing

The Stjarna is aimed at moving-coil cartridges. A higher-output moving-magnet cartridge may find the gain excessive unless an input attenuator is used.

Alternatives

The Schiit Mani 2 is a phono stage with more modest gain and features, better suited to a higher-output moving-magnet cartridge.