Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2022/07/18

Touraj Moghaddam, founder and chief executive of Vertere, recently announced that the multi-award-winning PHONO-1 MKII, MM/MC Phono Preamplifier has been improved. The new version, MKII L, features improved performance, a new gold-plated L-shaped PCB and significantly enhanced accessibility for the customization DIP switches.
According to the press release, the sound quality improvements are subtle but significant. The MKII already was better than the original, due to the more optimal choice of components and 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 optimization. The new design ensures signal tracks are of equal length, impedance 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.
The PHONO-1 is user-configurable for most MM and MC cartridges available. The DIP switches on the bottom of the unit facilitate the choice of 15 input loads and 9 options of capacitance together with 10 choices of gain. For example, it allows a somewhat peaky (with a rising HF response) moving coil cartridge to be tamed by adding capacitance rather than by reducing input impedance. Lowering the input impedance tends to "slug" the sound, reducing musical performance and drama along with lowering the brightness, the company says. Adding capacitance while keeping the input impedance higher allows the full performance to shine.
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 aluminum, Signature Vertere Orange and Semi-matt Black. The power LED is now orange to easily identify the MKII L version.

For more information: https://www.vertereacoustics.com/

More News...