Musical Surroundings - Phonomena III Discrete Phono Preamp, Black

24 years in the making, the Phonomena III is our best sounding phono preamplifier value. The Phonomena III, our highest gain phono stage to date, reaches new heights in affordable vinyl playback. When packaged with the optional LPS outboard power supply, this unit is a giant slayer.

The Phonomena phono stage, in production since 1999, has been continuously improved throughout the years. The basic concept has remained unchanged: discrete circuitry that provides flexible gain and loading to maximize the performance of both MM and MC phono cartridges.

A complete phonograph preamplifier with RIAA equalization, it amplifies the output signal of an MM or MC phonograph cartridge up to a nominal “line level”. It is a discrete, dual-mono design, designed and made in the USA. The Phonomena III may be used with either moving-coil or moving-magnet cartridges. Its flexibility in gain and loading settings lets you optimize the performance of your phono cartridge and match volume levels with other source components in your system. The Phonomena III can be connected to a receiver or an integrated amplifier. If you use separate components, a line level control unit (preamplifier) is required before the power amp, since there is no volume control on the Phonomena III. The Phonomena III’s internal power supply connects to an AC outlet with the supplied wall-mount transformer, and you can upgrade to Reference Performance with our optional Linear Power Supply at any time.

• Made in California

• Maximum 66dB Gain  

• Flexible Gain and Loading  

• Super Matched Input Transistors  

• NEW Improved Discrete Circuitry  

• Optional Linear Power Supply

"The market is full of outboard phono preamps that are tens of thousands of dollars more expensive, but you won’t find another at any price that offers this degree of flexibility to match any pickup out there with a commensurate level of technical and sonic performance. It remains my reference." — Review by Paul Seydor, theabsolutesound.com, Nov 08, 2024. Read the entire review here.

Specifications:
Gain (dB): 40, 46, 49.5, 50, 52, 54, 55.5, 56, 57, 58, 60.5, 61.5, 63, 64, 66
Capacitance loading: 100pF, 200pF
Input loading (ohms): 30,40, 50, 59, 80, 100, 121, 150, 243, 280, 380, 475, 660, 1000, 2000, 47k, 100k
Dimensions: 8.5″ x 2″ x 6″
Weight: 3 lbs.