Фонокорректоры — Kondo Audio Note Japan GE-7i

The GE-7i is a stereo phono equalizer amplifier from Kondo Audio Note Japan, built around a negative feedback equalization circuit and housed in two separate chassis. Kondo places it in its phono range next to the GE-10i and GE-2i, and describes it as combining the approach of the older GE-1 with the consistency of the GE-10.

Key specs that matter

Seven valves do the work - two ECC803S, four 6072 and one EZ81. Gain is 38 dB, and the equalization follows the curve within plus or minus 0.5 dB between 30 Hz and 20 kHz, a figure quoted without the low cut filter engaged. Two pairs of unbalanced RCA inputs accept a turntable signal at 47 kohm, and one RCA pair carries the output into a load of at least 20 kohm. Residual noise is under 1.5 mV and power draw is 46 W. The main unit is 302 mm wide, 160 mm high and 412 mm deep and weighs 13.5 kg, while the supply unit shares the height and depth at 160 mm width and weighs 12 kg.

Engineering and use context

Kondo builds the first stage as an SRPP circuit using the ECC803S, and the output is a parallel plate cathode follower on 6072 valves, chosen to lower output impedance. Rectification in the power supply relies on the EZ81 (6CA4) valve, and the shunt type heater supply was redesigned to match the current draw of this circuit. Coupling capacitors and load resistors in the output stage can be switched to form a low cut filter, and three loading values are selectable for the cartridge. Kondo wires the unit with its own SSW silk silver wire and uses silver foil capacitors, in house power transformers and a pure copper chassis. The compact supply housing limits the total width of the two boxes, placed next to each other, to 480 mm or less. Kondo says the GE-7i reaches a specification close to the top of the range with a circuit of moderate complexity.

Pairing

A gain of 38 dB matches moving magnet and higher output moving coil cartridges without extra help, whereas a low output coil calls for a step up device in front of the GE-7i. Its single unbalanced output feeds a line preamplifier such as the Kondo G-700i, which uses the same chassis dimensions and the same split supply layout, letting the pair share one rack column neatly. Its 46 W draw and valve rectification mean the unit should be given space for ventilation.

Alternatives

The Kondo GE-10i is the higher phono equalizer in the same range for buyers who want the step above the GE-7i.