Thoeress' phono is a quite hefty device with interesting if somewhat uncommon aesthetics. Apart from the lettering in the German language above each of its controls, the preamplifier features a completely straightforward and professional logic in its structure and user interface, being a serious-looking and, without a doubt, imposing presence. The high contrast between the black letters and the off-white faceplate makes use of the controls easy in low light conditions and the overall impression is that, in terms of appearance, the user will either like it at first glance, or he will have to deal with a small culture shock if he wants to exploit its features.

The above-mentioned features, though, are, indeed, exceptional. Starting from the input configuration options, Thoeress is available in five versions in total, of which the four could be used with stereo (or dual-coil mono) cartridges and one is optimized for standard, single-coil mono cartridges. The main differences between the stereo models focus on the sensitivity of the inputs and the loading conditions they offer. The user can choose between a model with high sensitivity inputs suitable for low output MC cartridges, a model with average sensitivity inputs suitable for high output MCs and standard output MMs (with all its inputs offering a 47kOhm load), and two "mixed" models, one with five high-sensitivity inputs for MCs (also featuring load selection) and one input for high output MC or a MM (at 47k) and one with a high sensitivity input (for MCs) and five inputs for high output MCs and MMs. The fifth version is a monaural design which is aimed to Mono, 78rpm record collectors. The monaural version, apart from the adjustable de-emphasis, offers a choice of different equalization curves to accommodate special record cuttings of the past. Our review sample, the one you see in the photos, is the model that features five inputs for low output moving coil cartridges (with each input offering a different load value at 500, 200, 160, 100 and 50 ohms) and one input for MC high output moving coil and standard moving magnet cartridges at 47k. Note that the loading resistors are soldered directly to the input jacks and could be changed rather easily, so anyone can adjust the preamplifier as he wishes (although the load range offered is probably sufficient for any normal system).

Thoeress' main feature (apart from its basic phono preamp function, that is) is the possibility to fine tune its de-emphasis curve. The user has at his disposal three rotary selectors each of which seems to affect one of the of de-emphasis curve time constants (in 3180mS, 318mS and 75mS for the low, the mid-low and the high-frequency range respectively). The adjustment is done in six steps per constant and, despite the fact that the company is not very clear on this point, the impression created is that what changes is the gain and slope of the curve at each point but not the frequency (the point itself). If this is indeed the case, then the term "parametric" we saw in some places (in the user manual and the site) is perhaps a little inexact as in a parametric equalizer one normally expects to control the center frequency of each filter. Thoeress' approach is, of course, understandable and fully justified from a user-friendliness point of view. In practice, such a possibility (to change the frequency as well as the gain and the slope) would rather produce disastrous results more often than not and, also, would result in a far more complex circuit. In all selectors, one of the positions corresponds to the exact RIAA de-emphasis values, therefore, the user has, always, a reference point to make comparisons and a typically correct adjustment to return, if necessary.

The interior of the device is a real demonstration of high art in the point-to-point assembly technique. The components are mounted in parallel rows of terminal strips and the end result is very neat to the eye and orderly (an approach quite essential in low noise designs). The circuit is based on a total of five tubes, three dual triodes (2x 12SN7GT and 1x PCC88) and two triodes (PC86) all of the NOS type (in our review sample, originated from Siemens and RCA). The circuit also includes transistors (JFETs), although their position and function are unclear and the company does not give more details. Passive components used are of top quality, including Arcotronics capacitors and Vishay/ERO and Dale resistors. The power transformer is mounted through elastic flanges to reduce the vibration induced to the chassis.

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