Фонокорректоры — VTL TP-2.5i Phono

The TP-2.5i is a phono preamplifier from VTL, the American valve specialist, and it is built to order in the United States, with delivery taking about three months. VTL redesigned it with technology carried over from its TP-6.5 phono stage, pairing a hybrid circuit for moving coil cartridges with an all-valve path for moving magnet types.

Key specs that matter

Separate MM and MC inputs are provided. The MC stage offers a choice of 56 dB or 62 dB of gain, the MM stage gives 46 dB, and a StepUp setting reaches 65 dB. Resistive MC loading can be switched between six values - 100, 250, 470, 1,000, 4,700 and 47,000 ohm - while the StepUp position offers 100, 470 and 1,000 ohm, and the MM input can be set to 10, 47 or 100 kilohm. Frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 100 kHz within +0 and -1 dB. Output impedance is 375 ohm, maximum output is 8 V at under 1 percent distortion, and channel separation exceeds 60 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The chassis measures 48.25 x 35.5 x 9.5 cm, and the unit draws 25 W from the mains. Packed for shipping it weighs 11.34 kg.

Engineering and use context

The MC stage combines low-noise JFETs with valves, whereas the MM stage uses valves only. The complement is one 12AU7, two 12AX7 and one 12AT7, with the 12AT7 working in the output position. RIAA equalisation is passive, and the outputs are buffered. A shunt regulator in the power supply lowers the noise floor, and the mains input carries extensive RF filtering. The power transformer is a low-radiation type. There is no microprocessor in the unit, so no control-logic noise is generated inside the chassis. The front panel has switches for power, mute and a combined rumble filter and mono function, and the rumble filter rolls off to -3 dB at 10 Hz. The signal path is kept simple and uses audiophile-grade parts throughout.

Pairing

The two MC gain levels suit cartridges of moderate and low output, and the StepUp setting with its own loading options serves the lowest-output designs. Only single-ended outputs are described, so the TP-2.5i feeds an RCA line input on a preamp or integrated amp, for example the VTL TL-2.5i Performance line preamplifier from the same series. The MM loading choices let the input match cartridges that call for 47 kilohm as well as designs specified for other values.

Alternatives

The VTL TP-6.5 Series II Signature is the phono stage above it, with hybrid JFET and valve circuitry and up to 68 dB of gain from balanced outputs.