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AVID Velsonic – a Reference MM/MC Phono Stage from the British Brand

AVID Hifi has introduced the AVID Velsonic, a new two-box phono stage for MM and MC cartridges, marking the brand’s first completely new development in this segment since 2012. The unit is manufactured at AVID Hifi’s facility in Cambridgeshire and replaces the Pulsare II and Pellere models, while also taking its place as the new flagship in the company’s analogue lineup.

AVID Velsonic
AVID Velsonic. Image source (c) AVID Hifi

AVID Hifi emphasizes that the Velsonic does not abandon the brand’s established engineering philosophy, but rather develops it further. In creating the model, the company used solutions previously applied in the Reference Pre Amplifier, along with revised circuit blocks and an updated component base. According to the developers, the main focus was placed on further noise reduction and more delicate handling of the audio signal throughout its entire path.

AVID Velsonic
AVID Velsonic. Image source (c) AVID Hifi

Structurally, the AVID Velsonic is built around a fully analogue dual-mono design and contains no digital modules whatsoever. According to the company, this approach allows the unit to preserve signal purity as much as possible and reduce the influence of interference. The internal architecture was optimized to lower noise and improve channel separation, while one of the model’s key features is its expanded adjustment options for both MM and MC cartridges.

AVID Velsonic
AVID Velsonic. Image source (c) AVID Hifi

The phono stage offers a wide gain adjustment range, making it possible to more precisely match cartridge output levels with the rest of the system components. In addition, an expanded choice of load impedance values is provided, allowing the Velsonic to deliver more flexible and fine-tuned matching for a wide variety of cartridges.

AVID Velsonic
AVID Velsonic. Image source (c) AVID Hifi

AVID also paid particular attention to the mechanical and electrical stability of the design. The model features a carefully engineered chassis, improved vibration-isolating feet, and a revised power supply system intended to ensure more stable operation. The separation of the audio circuitry and power supply into different enclosures became part of the overall concept and reflects an approach typical of top-tier audio equipment.

The two-box AVID Velsonic phono stage will arrive on the European market in May 2026. The recommended retail price of the new product is set at €15,995.

Specifications

  • Model name

    Velsonic

  • Inputs (balanced)

    N/A

  • Inputs (single-ended)

    N/A

  • MC current-sensing input impedance (Ω)

    N/A

  • MM/MC voltage input impedance (Ω)

    10R-30R-100R-200R-300R-400R-500R-800R-1K-5k-10K-47K

  • Output impedance (Ω)

    20

  • Gain (dB)

    35-40-45-50-55-60-65-70

  • Playback EQ curves accuracy (dB)

    N/A

  • Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)

    5

  • Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)

    70 000

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (%)

    < 0.001

  • Dimensions (mm)

    463 x 338 x 100

  • Weight (kg)

    12.2 + 14.9 (PSU)

  • Official link

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