Фонокорректоры — Gato Audio PPA-1

The PPA-1 is a phono preamplifier from Gato Audio of Denmark that also carries a separate headphone amplifier. It offers two individually configurable turntable inputs, each switchable between MM and MC pickups by a cartridge button, with adjustable gain and loading, so two record players can stay connected at once.

Key specs that matter

Base gain at 1 kHz is 40 dB for MM and 60 dB for MC, depending on cartridge impedance, with extra steps of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 dB. MM input impedance is 47 kOhm, and MM capacitance can be chosen from 100, 220, 320, 470, 570 or 790 pF. THD plus noise measures 0.015% at 2.2 V or 4.4 V output, while noise is quoted at 80 dB A-weighted. Maximum output level is 6 V RMS unbalanced and 12 V RMS balanced. The case measures 325 x 105 x 420 mm and weighs 10 kg.

Engineering and use context

Separate power supplies feed the analogue circuits and the digital control section. The MC stage works in current mode, which differs from the usual voltage mode approach by offering a low input impedance, giving higher damping of the cartridge and lower noise and distortion, and it restrains any tendency of the cartridge to oscillate. The MM stage works in voltage mode, since moving magnet cartridges have a relatively high output impedance and perform best into a fixed 47 kOhm load with selectable capacitance. The headphone section is a discrete MOSFET design with analogue volume control, and the line outputs switch off automatically once headphones are plugged into the 6.3 mm front jack. A subsonic filter can be switched on or off from the front knob or the remote control, and gain and cartridge type are also selectable by remote. The same headphone knob mutes the headphones when turned fully counterclockwise and reactivates the line outputs, so both outputs never play together. The unit is made in Denmark, and both inputs sit alongside a mains switch and fuse compartment on the back panel, with the 12 V trigger sockets allowing the PPA-1 to wake with the rest of a system. Power consumption is under 1 W in standby, 30 W at idle and 60 W maximum, from 115 or 230 V mains, with a 1.6 A sand-filled fuse.

Pairing

Both inputs use gold-plated RCA sockets, and the output is available on gold-plated RCA or Neutrik XLR connectors, so the PPA-1 feeds either a single-ended or a balanced line input. Three mini jacks handle trigger input, trigger output and communication with other units.

Alternatives

Gato Audio's PRE-1 preamplifier accepts an optional MMC-1 phono module with the same MM and current mode MC gain and loading options.