SPL PHONOS

Promotion valid only for the available finishes

The Phonos preamplifier is designed for Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges and is based on the legendary Douglas Self design.

The gain control allows adjustment of the Phonos output level in three settings: the "Norm" position provides +46 dB for MM and +67 dB for MC; the "-10" position reduces gain by 10 dB (optimal for standard HiFi equipment operating at -10 dBV); the "+4" position increases gain by 4 dB, reaching levels comparable to modern digital converters. To prevent background noise and hum from the turntable mechanism being amplified along with the signal, Phonos features a selectable subsonic filter that removes these interferences.

Connections are carefully designed, with gold-plated RCA inputs and outputs, and a ground terminal with a banana plug connector for simple and secure grounding of the turntable. All devices in the Professional Fidelity series are developed not only by design but also by ear, using high-quality components mounted with Through-hole technology to ensure the best sound performance.

The design follows the principles of Douglas Self, the renowned British engineer, who advocated using many small capacitors instead of a few large ones to achieve faster charging and discharging, resulting in better resolution and quicker impulse response. All capacitors used are audiophile-grade Styroflex types.

At the core of Phonos is the VOLTAiR Technology, a unique 120V technology operating at a DC voltage of 120 volts—four times higher than traditional op-amps. This high voltage provides a wide dynamic range, superior signal-to-noise ratio, and greater headroom, delivering detailed, pleasant sound without causing ear fatigue. To handle this voltage, SPL developed proprietary operational amplifiers capable of operating at +/-60 V DC.

The "120V" reference has nothing to do with mains voltage, which is internally transformed and converted by linear power supplies with toroidal transformers and rectifiers. Most audio devices operate internally at around +/-15 V with a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu, which can cause overloads and distortion during musical peaks. Thanks to its high operating voltage, Phonos can handle levels up to +32.5 dBu, offering 12 dB more headroom and ensuring optimal operation with natural, relaxed, and faithful sound reproduction down to every musical detail.

Technical specifications:

• Analog inputs and outputs: RCA
• Input impedance (MM): 47 kΩ
• Input impedance (MC): switchable
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Frequency response (-3 dB): 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• Channel separation (1 kHz): -80 dBu

Moving Magnet (MM) preamplifier

• Gain (Norm): 46 dB; Gain (-10 dB): 36 dB; Gain (+4 dB): 50 dB
• Capacitance (switchable): Off, 150 pF, 220 pF, 330 pF
• Noise (A-weighted; 46 dB gain): -85.3 dBu
• Dynamic range: 131.3 dB

Moving Coil (MC) preamplifier

• Gain (Norm): 67 dB; Gain (-10 dB): 56 dB; Gain (+4 dB): 71.5 dB
• Impedance (switchable): 100 Ω, 220 Ω, 470 Ω, 2.2 kΩ, 4.7 kΩ, 10 kΩ
• Noise (A-weighted; 67 dB gain): -61.7 dBu
• Dynamic range: 128.7 dB
• Internal linear power supply with shielded toroidal transformer
• Operating voltage for analog audio: +/- 60 V
• Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: +12 V

Dimensions and weight

• W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth): 278 x 100 x 300 mm
• Unit weight: 3.2 kg