Closer Acoustics of Poland built the Flō as an MM and MC phono preamplifier, replacing its earlier Stelvio phono stage.
Key specs that matter
Two sets of inputs are fitted, each with XLR and RCA sockets, allowing a pair of turntables or tonearms to remain connected together. A proprietary input arrangement lets a balanced signal from the cartridge be carried even over RCA cables. Input impedance, capacitance and gain are set with switches on the front plate. Frequency response is rated at 15 Hz to 50 kHz within 3 dB, with THD plus noise at 0.06%.
Engineering and use context
Five equalization curves are available. Equalization is passive and split into two independent stages, one for low and one for high frequencies, with an extra filter correcting the RIAA curve around 50 kHz. The signal path is current coupled, without interstage capacitors. The symmetrical power supply uses ultra-fast rectifier diodes, low-impedance Panasonic electrolytics totalling more than 50,000 microfarads, two-stage stabilization with a circuit that lowers ripple by a further 15 dB, and a polypropylene output filter capacitor.