Posts with tag "phono"

Clearaudio has launched the new Compact Phono preamplifier, designed for use with both MM and MC cartridges. The unit is housed in a compact metal enclosure measuring 115 × 26 × 80 mm and can be placed directly next to a turntable without taking up much space. It is available in black and silver finishes.

European Audio Team has expanded its product range with two full-size phono preamplifiers, the EAT E-Glo CB and E-Glo SB. Both models are designed for high-end vinyl systems and combine tube-based stages, discrete circuitry, separate channel architecture, and an extensive range of adjustments for matching different MM and MC cartridges.

British company Vertere Acoustics has introduced the Phono-1 LX, a new version of its compact phono stage for MM and MC cartridges. The model continues the development of the Phono-1 line, which has been gradually refined over the years without any radical change to its external concept. As before, the device has a fairly understated appearance, while the main changes are hidden inside the chassis.

Boulder has introduced two new components in its 800 Series. The line-up now includes the Boulder 808 MM/MC phono stage and the Boulder 851 monaural power amplifier. Both products continue the concept of the series: to offer a serious level of High End performance in relatively compact enclosures. The new models are aimed at advanced stereo systems where sound quality and reliability matter, but so does more practical placement of equipment in an audio rack.

Slovak company Canor Audio presented the new Asterion V3 tube phono stage at High End Vienna 2026. The model has joined the Performance Line series and is set to replace the Canor PH 2.10 phono stage in the manufacturer’s catalogue. The device is designed for use with the two main types of phono cartridges – MM and MC – and is aimed at owners of serious analogue systems.

The new EX700 moving-coil (MC) cartridge from Japanese company Analog Relax is, according to the manufacturer, inspired by some of the most iconic and expensive classical musical instruments. The cartridge body is carved from spruce sourced in the South Tyrol region in northern Italy. It is the same type of wood that the great Antonio Stradivari used for his violins. The manufacturer promises a sound that “sings like the finest stringed instruments.”

American company Audio Research has introduced the Audio Research LS-2 preamplifier. Its fully tube-based design, operating in pure Class A, eliminates semiconductors from the signal path and is aimed at maximum sonic authenticity. At the same time, the classic circuit concept is complemented by modern features such as a touchscreen display and optional modular expansion.

Acoustic Signature has introduced the Tango Apex NEO phono stage, designed for use with top-class vinyl record players and now heading the company’s range of phono stages. The new model is aimed at High End audio systems and is built with a fully balanced circuit topology featuring a “dual mono” architecture, where the left and right channels have separate amplification stages and independent power supplies.

British audio manufacturer Rega Research has introduced the new Rega AOS MC phono stage, specifically designed for moving coil cartridges (MC – Moving Coil). According to the developers, the new model is based on the flagship Aura.

The Italian company Gold Note has introduced the new Gold Note PH-5.2 phono stage, capable of working with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. The new model is an evolution of the previous PH-5 and embodies the concept that Gold Note has promoted for many years in the world of analog audio: high fidelity is not a matter of taste or sonic character, but a responsibility toward the original recording.

The MoFi Electronics division of the American company Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab has introduced a more affordable version of its flagship MasterPhono phono stage. The new model is called the MoFi UltraPhono Pro and features a single input. This version also offers fewer additional functions and does without the VU meters that give the flagship a touch of vintage character.

Backert Labs has unveiled the Optik Phono 1.1 phono preamplifier, designed specifically for use with optical cartridges from the Japanese company DS Audio. The manufacturer emphasizes that the new model is distinguished by maximum flexibility and a no-compromise design. Built around two 12AU7 vacuum tubes, the phono preamplifier features two independent inputs for optical cartridges – a solution implemented for the first time in components of this type.

Musical Fidelity has introduced the Nu-Vista Vinyl S phonostage within its Nu-Vista electronics series. This newcomer brings the exceptional performance of the flagship Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 to a more accessible price point while retaining the signature Nuvistor tube technology that defines the Nu-Vista series.

Keces Audio has unveiled the Ephono+, a new phono preamplifier offering extensive adjustment capabilities, an external power supply, and support for MM, MC, and DS Audio optical cartridges - making it a truly universal phono stage.

Oehlbach has introduced the Oehlbach Twin Amp Ultra, a dual-block transistor phono preamplifier. This model operates in both MM and MC modes and features an external power supply.

Cyrus Audio has officially unveiled the Cyrus 40 PPA phono preamplifier – the model has been previously demonstrated at exhibitions and is now available for sale at a suggested retail price of €2,499 or $2,899.

The innovative Thrax Audio Cotys phono preamplifier is presented – a model designed for fans of High-End equipment and developed in Bulgaria. The device is designed to work with MC cartridges and uses a fully balanced RIAA equalizer based on LCR filters. The innovative differential input stage and nanocrystalline inductors set a new standard for noise levels – it does not exceed 70 nV! Fully adjustable load/gain (100 – 1,000 Ohms and 50 – 70 dB) is the cherry on the cake.

Thorens is a cult player in the vinyl market. And, of course, the new Thorens MC 1600 phono preamplifier is in the spotlight – it will go on sale in the summer of 2025 at a price of 2,199 euros.

Chord Electronics has announced the release of the Chord Ultima Phonostage phono preamplifier – a top-of-the-line model that promises outstanding performance and will go on sale before the end of 2025.

Reed has announced the Reed SF optical pickup head, as well as a special dual-block Reed EQ phono preamplifier with an external Reed PS power supply. Reed SF is an optical cartridge, its stylus (a Shibata-tipped diamond on a sapphire cantilever, with a recommended pressure of 1.5 to 2.0 grams) reads information from a vinyl record track, but the needle's movements are tracked by a laser-based optical system.