Фонокорректоры — Soulution Audio 550 phono

The 550 phono is a phono preamplifier in the Series 5 range of Soulution, a label of the Swiss company Spemot AG. Its two inputs each work with either MM or MC cartridges, and the output side carries one XLR connector for balanced lines plus one RCA connector.

Key specs that matter

Both inputs use RCA sockets. Maximum gain at 1 kHz is +66 dB through XLR and +60 dB through RCA in MC mode, and +55 dB through XLR and +49 dB through RCA in MM mode. MC loading goes up to 1,000 ohms, while MM loading runs from 1,000 ohms to 47 kohms with capacitance selectable from 0 to 200 pF. Output impedance is 10 ohms on both outputs. THD+N is below 0.002 percent, signal-to-noise reaches 100 dB, and channel separation measures 60 dB at 1 kHz. Frequency response extends from 0 Hz to 1 MHz. The unit draws 100 W in operation and under 0.5 W in standby, and is built for 220-240 V or 100-120 V at 50-60 Hz. It measures 442 x 143 x 448 mm and weighs about 20 kg.

Engineering and use context

Construction is unbalanced dual mono, with a dedicated supply for each channel to keep crosstalk between them low. The audio section is physically separated from the digital circuitry, and each has its own supply. All supply voltages come from switched mode power modules combined with precise, low noise linear regulators. Termination impedance for each input is set by relay switched high precision metal foil resistors and is adjusted either on the front panel or from the listening seat by remote. A subsonic filter to the RIAA-IEC specification can be switched on to protect speakers from warped records. According to Soulution, the output stage is built to the same standard as the one in its counterpart preamplifier and is designed for speed, precision and impulse current. A GND-LIFT function disconnects ground at the balanced outputs to break hum loops. For protection, the 550 shuts down if output current exceeds 0.2 A or if the monitored power supply fails, and Soulution offers a five year guarantee against defects in material and workmanship.

Pairing

Soulution says the low output impedance keeps the output stage stable into any load, so long interconnects are driven without problems, and it suggests balanced cables for longer runs. Cartridge type and loading are set per input in the programming menu, and the input that is active after start-up can also be chosen there. The display brightness has three levels.

Alternatives

Soulution also builds the 350 phono stage in its Series 3 range.