TRIGON VANGUARD II

Pre owned. In excellent condition. Shows no obvious signs of wear. Without original packaging.

The Vanguard II is a phono amplifier designed for MM and MC systems, engineered to provide high-precision signal correction and flexible amplification capable of adapting to a wide range of cartridges. External microswitches allow optimal adjustment of gain, resistance, and capacitance, ensuring maximum compatibility with different pickups and enabling them to fully express their sonic qualities.

Its primary function is to transform the weak signal from the turntable into a linear, balanced output comparable to other audio sources. Without equalization, playback would be excessively bright; the Vanguard II applies the necessary correction curve with exceptional accuracy, using carefully selected components measured to a tolerance of less than 1% and paired identically for both stereo channels, avoiding imbalances and ensuring a natural, linear sound.

Amplification, adjustable across 16 steps, accommodates cartridges with widely varying output levels, from MM to MC, which may require up to ten times more gain. This versatility does not compromise sound purity, as the gain stage employs low-noise, low-distortion operational amplifiers that minimize unwanted signals. Special attention is given to hum reduction: the power supply is housed separately from the main unit to avoid magnetic interference, and a dedicated circuit filters the DC supplied to the amplifier. For even cleaner power, the optional Volcano II battery unit with lead-gel accumulator can be used. The printed circuit board design also contributes to noise rejection, featuring a star-shaped ground layout that isolates sensitive amplifier stages.

Input impedance adjustment is another key feature. A series of microswitches on the bottom panel provides up to 64 combinations for MC cartridges and 4 for MM, allowing precise customization to achieve optimal synergy with the connected cartridge. The design intentionally prioritizes MC cartridges, which dominate the high-end market, offering them superior optimization.

Connection to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier is via standard signal cable, with a low-impedance output capable of driving cables longer than two meters without difficulty. This allows the Vanguard II to be placed close to the turntable, minimizing cable length and reducing transmission losses and susceptibility to external interference, preserving the delicate, low-level signal from the very first stage.

Compact, precise, and meticulously built, the Vanguard II is a phono amplifier that combines high-end audio performance with accessible pricing, providing vinyl enthusiasts a versatile and refined tool to maximize the potential of their record collections.

Technical specifications:

• Gain: adjustable from 42 to 66 dB in 16 steps
• Input impedance: 25 – 1800 ohm in 31 steps (see table); without connected resistances 47 kOhm
• Capacitance: base 60 – 100 pF; insertable 47 pF, 100 pF, 147 pF
• Inputs: 1x RCA
• Outputs: 1x RCA
• Weighted noise: –72 dB at 60 dB gain; –94 dB at 36 dB gain
• Frequency response: ±0.2 dB RIAA equalized
• THD + N: 0.06%
• Crosstalk: –96.2 dBA at 10 kHz
• Power consumption: < 3 VA
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 55 x 133 x 182 mm
• Weight: approximately 2 kg