Фонокорректоры — SOtM sPQ-100

The sPQ-100 is a phono equalizer from SOtM of Korea, a company whose digital products rest on analogue circuit work and which calls this model a collection of its analogue techniques. SOtM designed it because, in its view, few phono stages on the market can adapt to the many different equalization curves and cartridge specifications found across record collections. It amplifies the very small cartridge signal hundreds to thousands of times and uses the maker's own noise reduction technology, with the stated aim of maximum performance at a minimum price.

Key specs that matter

The MM input expects 3 to 10 mV at 1 kHz, is loaded with 47 kohm and offers 100, 150, 220 or 330 pF of capacitance. The MC input covers cartridges from 0.1 to 1 mV, with a choice of 15, 20, 100 or 500 ohm and 10 pF. Total gain is switchable to 40, 50, 60 or 70 dB at 1 kHz. RCA sockets carry the stereo output, which reaches 9.5 V maximum from a typical 20 ohm output impedance. Frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and SOtM quotes a typical 100 dB signal-to-noise figure at 1 kHz and maximum output, measured on the MC input with the RIAA curve and 50 dB gain. Power enters at 7 to 9 V DC and up to 1 A through a 5.5 mm OD, 2.1 mm ID jack. The unit measures 106 x 48 x 245 mm and weighs 1.5 kg, and it operates from 0 to 40 degrees C at 10 to 90% humidity.

Engineering and use context

Instead of a short list of named curves, separate switches set each part of the equalization. Bass boost can be 14.5, 16 or 20 dB at 20 Hz, 33 dB at 7 Hz, or switched to no bass shelf. The turnover frequency is 250, 354, 500 or 800 Hz, and the treble roll-off point is 1592, 2122, 2500 or 3183 Hz. Combining these settings lets the owner match the playback curve to older records cut before RIAA became standard, as well as to modern pressings. Controls are limited to a power switch, one operating LED and the selection switches, which keeps the front panel simple.

Pairing

The highest gain setting suits the lowest-output moving coils near 0.1 mV, while the lowest fits moving magnets, and the high maximum output drives any line input without clipping. The 106 mm case matches SOtM's tX-USBultra and sMS-200ultra, so the phono stage can share a shelf with a compact digital source. An external DC supply is required.

Alternatives

SOtM's sPQ-100PS pairs the same phono equalizer with a dedicated mains power supply in a second case, joined by connectors specific to the two units.