Фонокорректоры — Gryphon Audio PS3

The PS3 is an MM/MC phono stage from Gryphon Audio Designs of Denmark, and it is built as a plug-in module rather than a stand-alone box. It fits inside the Diablo 333 integrated amplifier, and Gryphon says more host models are planned. The circuit is based on the company's Legato phono stage, and the PS3 follows the PS2 and PS2-S modules, offering a wider range of MC load settings. It is designed and built in Denmark, and the price is CAD 8,800.

Key specs that matter

Gain is 64 dB in MC mode and 42 dB in MM mode. MC load can be set to 15 values from 20 ohm to 1600 ohm, while MM load is fixed at 47 kohm in parallel with 220 pF. Noise sits more than 72 dB below signal for MC with a 2.5 mV input at 1 kHz and better than 84 dB for MM. Maximum input is 7 mV in MC mode and 100 mV in MM mode, and the manual warns that exceeding it can damage the module. Input is through one pair of gold-plated Neutrik XLR sockets, left and right, and the module weighs 1.15 kg.

Engineering and use context

Any phono cartridge is inherently a balanced source, with two coil ends and no ground reference, and the PS3 is built to use that, with discrete balanced circuitry carried from input to output. The two channels are separated electrically and mechanically in a true dual-mono Class A layout without global negative feedback, and the path is DC-coupled throughout. Matched low-noise, high-speed transistors are used in the differential stages, and polypropylene capacitors form the RIAA correction. Regulated supplies of plus and minus 23 V DC feed the circuit, which sits on a four-layer board with 70 micron copper traces. MC load is chosen with eight DIP switches per channel on the rear panel, following a table in the manual, and must be set the same on both sides. MM or MC mode is chosen in the Diablo 333 menu, and after a change the circuit needs about 25 seconds to settle while a progress bar is shown. The phono input can be renamed, given an input level match of 0 to +8 dB, and selected directly with its own remote button. Gryphon requires installation by an authorised technician, and the DAC3 module can be fitted alongside it.

Pairing

The balanced XLR input suits a tonearm cable with XLR plugs, and Gryphon advises against RCA-to-XLR adaptors. Low-output MC cartridges run on the high-gain setting, and MM cartridges of normal output on the lower MM setting.

Alternatives

The Gryphon PS2-S is an earlier MM/MC phono module that can be retrofitted to amplifiers such as the Diablo 300, Diablo 120 and Atilla.