X-Altra MC/MM Phono EQ Amplifier £549-00
Price includes VAT for UK customers; excludes shipping and import taxes where applicable.
Featured in a two-part article in the influential professional audio publication audioXpress (February and March 2021), this phono preamplifier offers the lowest noise of any MC amplifier available along with outstanding >30 dB overload capability. At just 232 pico Volts per root Hertz, the noise performance is at the theoretical limit of what is possible for the given operating parameters. Typically, the X-Altra MC/MM is 6 dB quieter (2x) than similar commercial units using discrete input stages, and at least 11.7 dB quieter (3.8x) than op-amp based solutions using for example an AD797 or OPA1611.
Using a transimpedance aka current injection input stage and a novel input auto-zero servo allows direct coupling to the MC cartridge with near zero bias currents flowing through the cartridge coil. On MM inputs, the noise is >76 dB with a cartridge connected (1350 Ohms +500mH), and with the MM input shorted ‘A’ weighted, is better than 89 dB ref 5mV, again placing the performance at the bleeding edge. RIAA conformance is better than +-0.15 dB and the overload margin truly outstanding at >30 dB on both MC (ref 500uV) and MM (ref 5mV) inputs. A pushbutton selection switch located on the rear panel allows the use to select either the MC input or the MM input which are via separate sets of input connectors which means two separate turntables or pickup arms can be connected to the unit. Comprehensive gain and capacitive loading are provided via DIP switches on the rear of the unit. The unit comes with a rumble filter that can be switched between 20 Hz and 45 Hz. Hand assembled in a rugged aluminium chassis, the X-Altra MC/MM will complement any system with both outstanding performance and in the quality fit and finish. Please allow 4 weeks for delivery.
Clicking this link will take you to the X-Altra MC/MM projects page where you can by a PCB set if you want to build your own X-Altra MC/MM Phono preamp. There’s also a lot more technical detail and a link to the audioXpress articles.
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