Фонокорректоры — Vertere Acoustics Phono-1 LX

The Phono-1 LX is the latest version of the Phono-1, the MM and MC phono preamplifier from Vertere Acoustics that first appeared nine years before this update and was revised as the MkII in 2019 and the L in 2022. Announced on 27 June 2026, the LX keeps the core RIAA circuit of the Phono-1 MKII L, which sold for USD 1,995, and reworks the supporting hardware, including a redesigned case and cover. Prices are GBP 1,650, USD 2,399, EUR 1,998 and AUD 3,250.

Key specs that matter

Gain runs from 40 dB to 63 dB and is set with dipswitches on the base, and a high-gain version adding 6.4 dB to every setting can be ordered at no extra cost. MM cartridges see 47 kohm with a choice of 100 pF or 430 pF, while MC loading spans 78 ohm to 47 kohm and capacitance from 100 pF up to 1.02 µF in nine steps. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within 0.2 dB, THD+N is 0.009% at 1 V and noise stays below -78 dB with A-weighting. Idle power draw is 1.7 W. The case measures 210 x 240 x 55 mm and weighs 2.2 kg, in silver, orange, black or black acrylic.

Engineering and use context

The circuit board is now gold-plated, which Vertere links to better soldering quality, consistency and long-term reliability at each joint. Power comes from an internal linear supply, switchable internally, built around an encapsulated ultra-low-noise transformer, and the DC stages after it use improved parts for cleaner and more stable rails. The AC inlet was redesigned with dual inductors that filter high-frequency and RF interference before it reaches the supply, and a further choke placed after the transformer adds a second filtering stage. A simpler two-way earthing switch toggles between Earth Lift and Earth Connection. A blue-green power LED matches the DG X, Tempo, Imperium and Calon, and the fine-textured metallic silver cover no longer has fixing screws on top. Vertere offers an upgrade path for owners of Phono-1 MKII L units.

Pairing

Connections are single-ended RCA only, for both inputs and outputs, with grounding terminals and no balanced XLR output. Vertere states that the gain, resistance and capacitance options cover virtually any MM or MC cartridge. Its own MC models are rated around 0.4 mV to 0.5 mV, while the Sabre MM family sits between 4.0 mV and 4.3 mV.

Alternatives

The Vertere Calon is the brand's dual mono precision phono preamplifier, and its design principles were drawn on for the Phono-1 LX.