TRICHORD DINO MK2

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Free from any noticeable signs of wear. Supplied with Trichord Dino+ external power supply, manuals and original packaging.

Phono preamplifier with a separate external power supply, designed by Trichord, the electronics division of Michell Engineering, to provide a versatile and configurable solution compatible with a wide range of Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. The Dino Mk2 version introduces several improvements over its predecessor while retaining a compact design and a two-chassis configuration.

The circuit features a two-stage architecture with passive RIAA equalization positioned between the amplification stages. The first stage uses an SSM2017 integrated circuit with variable gain and input impedance, while the second combines a FET operational amplifier with a discrete Class A output stage. The design also incorporates MCap polypropylene capacitors in the RIAA network, along with several improvements to the signal path, including the removal of coupling capacitors.

The Mk2 version features improved voltage regulators with high-specification Panasonic capacitors, an optimized ground plane layout to further reduce noise, and next-generation input devices offering lower noise levels. The output stage is redesigned and incorporates a DC servo circuit, which prevents DC voltage from appearing at the output. The aluminium base plate contributes to structural rigidity and additional shielding.

The preamplifier can be configured to match the characteristics of different cartridges through dedicated DIP switches located on the underside of the unit. These allow adjustment of gain, resistive loading and capacitive loading. This flexibility makes the Dino Mk2 suitable for various MM and MC cartridge configurations, with settings tailored to the cartridge in use.

Power is supplied by a separate external unit, connected to the preamplifier via a dedicated cable. The design also provides several upgrade options, starting with the Dino+ power supply and its High Performance Power Interconnect Lead, and extending to the Never Connected unit, based on Trichord's patented power supply technology and designed to reduce noise originating from the mains supply.

Technical specifications:

• Type: MM/MC phono preamplifier
• Input impedance: 33 Ω; 100 Ω; 1 kΩ; 47 kΩ
• Input capacitance: 100 pF; 1,000 pF
• Gain: 48 dB; 52 dB; 63 dB; 70 dB; 74 dB
• RIAA response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.25 dB)
• Output voltage: 0.5 V at 1 kHz
• AC supply: 2 × 17 V; 50/60 Hz
• DC supply: 2 × 22 V
• Dino Mk2 dimensions (W × H × D): 130 × 58 × 112 mm
• Dino Mk2 weight: Less than 1 kg
• Dino+ power supply dimensions (W × H × D): 117 × 55 × 190 mm
• Dino+ power supply weight: Approx. 1.5–2 kg