Vertere Acoustics improves its multi-award-winning Phono-1 phono preamplifier.
Touraj Moghaddam, founder and chief executive of Vertere, today announced that the multi-award-winning Phono-1 MkII, MM/MC phono preamplifier has been improved. The New Phono-1 MkII L features improved performance, a new gold-plated L-shaped printed circuit board and significantly enhanced accessibility for the customisation DIP switches. The Phono-1 MkII L which is available now will sell for £1350, €1648, $1895 Aus$2700.
The sound quality improvements are subtle but significant. The MkII already was better than the original due to the more optimal choice of components. The L takes this further with non-trivial PCB layout improvements. Moving the linear power supply to the main PCB allowed a significant track and ground plane layout optimisation. The new design ensures signal tracks are of equal length, impedances lowered, and track widths adjusted to direct current flow.
The Phono-1 already included an unusual grounding selection switch with three positions giving a choice of Hard Ground, Ground Lift, or Soft Ground. This, in certain installations, may achieve even lower background noise from the record player.
Vertere Phono-1 MKII L – highly configurable
The Phono-1 is user-configurable for most Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Cartridges available. The DIP switches on the bottom of the unit facilitate the choice of 15 input impedances and 9 options of capacitance together with 10 choices of gain. For example, it allows taming of a peaky MC cartridge by adding capacitance rather than reducing input impedance. Lowering the input impedance tends to ‘slug’ the sound, reducing musical performance and drama along with lowering the brightness. Adding capacitance while keeping the input impedance higher allows the full performance to shine.
Phono-1 MkII L gets the best from any high-quality record player, with maximum dynamic range and supreme detail resolution. New ‘L’ shaped high-quality gold-plated PCBs for the main phono circuit and the mains power transformer ensure optimised grounding and power distribution. In addition, stainless steel shield ensures that any unwanted interference is kept well away from the audio signal. The shields, combined with the use of high-quality components and special solder, guarantee consistent optimum performance for the long term.
A 3-way switch provided at the back of Phono-1 gives the options of ‘Hard Ground’, ‘Ground Lift’ or ‘Soft Ground’ connection of the preamp and the chassis to minimise any hum introduced between the Phono-1 and the amplifier.
The Phono-1 is available in a range of high-end finishes, including a new DG-1 design featuring a front panel to match the new Vertere record player. Other finishes available: Silver aluminium, Signature Vertere Orange and Semi-matt Black. The power LED is now orange to easily identify the MKII L version.
