Vertere Acoustics Phono-1 LX MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Phono-1 LX MM/MC Phono Stage Preamplifier, by Vertere Acoustics.

When Vertere Acoustics unveiled their CALON Dual Mono Precision Phono Preamplifier at Motor World during High End Munich 2024, it set a new benchmark for what a phono stage could be. From that moment, one question drove them: What could those breakthroughs mean for the preamplifier that started it all?

The answer is PHONO-1 LX.

Nine years on from its debut – and following landmark upgrades to MkII in 2019 and the ‘L’ version in 2022 – PHONO-1 enters its most significant evolution yet. Darker backgrounds. Higher dynamic range. Razor-sharp spatial imaging. And a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room.

This isn't refinement for refinement's sake. Every sonic improvement has been matched by a more tactile, premium feel and a visual presence worthy of the engineering within.

Cleaner Power - Silence By Design

A redesigned AC input blocks unwanted interference at the source.

Paired with an upgraded internal DC power supply, the result is a dramatically quieter background and the detail your records always had.

Hidden Details - Audible Improvements.

Uprated gold-plated PCB brings superior soldering quality, consistency and long-term reliability at every connection. Designed to perform at its best, every time.

Your Cartridge - Perfectly Matched

10 gain settings, 15 resistance values, and 9 capacitance options ensure precise matching for virtually any Moving Coil (MC) or Moving Magnet (MM) phono cartridge.

X-Mod Upgrades

There is an official Vertere Acoustics upgrade path available for owners of the Phono-1 MK2 L Phono Preamplifier - See details

Features

• Upgraded PCB – Upgraded PCB features a superior gold-plated finish, ensuring consistent, high-quality component soldering across every connection. Designed for long-term reliability, it allows each circuit to perform at its best – every time.
• Upgraded Internal DC Power Supply – Improved components in the internal DC power supply deliver cleaner, more stable DC power throughout. The result is reduced noise and a more consistent power feed to each circuit – directly enhancing the performance of the Phono Preamplifier.
• New 2-way Phono Amplifier Earthing Switch – The new 2-way earthing switch offers a longer operational lifetime and easier operation, toggling simply between ‘Earth Lift’ and ‘Earth Connection’ to suit your audio setup.
• Improved AC Input – A specialised inductor on the AC input impedes high-frequency interference before it enters the circuit, while a second inductor on the post-transformer output provides an additional layer of filtering – keeping the feed to the DC power supply circuit free from unwanted RF interference.
• Vertere Blue-Green Power Indicator LED – The new blue-green power indicator LED aligns the PHONO-1LX visually with the DG X, Tempo, Imperium and CALON, giving the unit a striking, consistent look across the product range.
• New Chassis & Cover – The new cover features a fine textured, metallic silver finish with a premium tactile feel, giving the PHONO-1LX a bold, refined look worthy of any high-end setup. Eliminating the top four fixing screws creates a cleaner, uninterrupted aesthetic, bringing the PHONO-1LX in line with the CALON and cementing its place in a family of products designed without compromise.

Specifications

• Type: MC/MM Preamplifier, Precision Components, Gold Plated PCB
• Power Supply: Linear, Int. Switchable, Ultra-Low Noise, Encapsulated Transformer
• Gain Settings: 40 dB to 63 dB, in 12 steps. High Gain version adds 6.4 dB to all settings
• Input Impedance Settings
• Resistance: 47K for MM, 78R to 47K for MC, in 14 steps
• Capacitance: 100 pF & 430 pF for MM, 100 pF to 1.02 uF for MC, in 9 steps
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +/- 0.2 dB
• Noise: < -78 dB, AWD
• THD-N: 0.009%
• Idle Power Consumption: 1.7 W
• Front Panel Finish Options: DG-Black, Vertere Orange, Silver, Black
• Dimensions: 210 x 240 x 55 mm, W x D x H (Incl. Switches + Feet)
• Weight: 2.20 Kg

More Information

• PHONO-1 LX, by Vertere Acoustics