Phono‑2 MkII

High Class Phono Preamplifier

Phono‑2 MkII is a result of our commitment to continuous learning, which results in ever‑increasing performance levels for all classes of our products.

Redesigned PCB and integrated custom transformer make the MkII an even stronger performer with the wide variety of MM and MC cartridges.

Bottom side of the Phono‑2 MkII hosts micro switches which are used to set cartridge loading (“Load”), preamplifier gain (“Gain”) and output filtration (“Low‑pass filter”). Examples of optimum load and gain settings for various cartridges are listed here. The image below shows a unit set for the 47 kOhm load, 40 dB gain and no output filter.

Eight discrete loads can be set by using individual switches (47 k, 22 k, 10 k, 1 k, 500 Ohm, 200 Ohm, 100 Ohm and 47 Ohm). The cartridge load is set by engaging switches as indicated by the legend printed between the switches. The picture above illustrates load setting of 200 Ohm.

By combining loads, many more different combinations are possible (for example — by combining the 22 k and 10 k switches, the resulting load will be 6.9 kOhm).

If that level of flexibility is not sufficient, the Phono‑2 MkII can have unlimited settings available by removing the top cover and accessing terminals for insertion of additional loading resistors and capacitors. Those terminals are marked R11 and R12 for loading resistors and C11 and C12 for loading capacitors.

There are six different gain settings possible: 40 dB, 50 dB, 55 dB, 60 dB, 65 dB and 70 dB. The picture below illustrates the gain setting of 65 dB.

The Phono‑2 MkII features an innovative extension of the Phono‑1’s active offset cancellation circuit to provide output filtration without adding capacitors into the signal path. There are three available settings:

• No Filter: bandwidth flat to 5 Hz.
• 10 Hz, Slow roll‑off filter: bandwidth down to 10 Hz, roll‑off starts at ~40 Hz.
• 10 Hz, Fast roll‑off filter: subsonic filter, roll‑off starts below 20 Hz.

Specifications

• Class A operation when connected to a preamplifier with input impedance >1 kOhm
• Direct Coupling (no capacitors in the signal path)
• Passive RIAA circuit
• Frequency range: 5 Hz–40 kHz (no filter); 10 Hz–40 kHz (with filter)
• Input resistance: Eight presets (47 Ohm to 47 kOhm) plus internal sockets
• Input capacitance: 50 pF plus internal sockets
• Gain: 40–70 dB, adjustable in six steps
• Dimensions: 8.3 × 8.1 × 2 in / 210 × 205 × 50 mm
• Weight: 2.4 lb / 1.1 kg
• Input voltage: 120 V or 230 V versions
• US price: $399.00
• Worldwide price: €***

Please note: Two versions of the Phono-2 MkII, with 120 V and 230 V input voltage. These two versions are sold world-wide. The power cord does not ship with the unit: all power cords need to meet local safety regulations. A power cord with a standard "PC plug" (standard C13 conector) can be used. Minimun wire cross section of the power cord should be AWG18 (or 1.0 mm²), but for quality and durability we suggest AWG16 (1.5 mm²).

User manual (PDF) can be downloaded here.