Employing a fully discrete layout, no doubt borrowed from their more expensive models, Pro-Ject seem to have achieved something altogether classier-sounding. The use of polystyrene capacitors, for instance, is a contributing factor to the silky highs, and the response from listeners has been amazing already. The S2 Ultra is incredibly closely attuned to the famed RIAA frequency curve and just like with the Violectric at number 8, it features a multitude of dip switches for adjustment of signal impedance, capacitance, and gain. Pro-Ject seem very proud of the S2 Ultra’s ‘incredibly harmonious sound’ and we agree they have a point. Vertere already had a great phono stage on its hands, but this updated version manages to deliver significant performance gains, thanks to some careful housekeeping and honing of the circuit board and power supply. The tidy little box remains the same; an orange power LED is the only addition to the design.

For more critical assessment and expecting a less mellow presentation I moved on to our McIntosh MCI52 reference power amplifier with a Music First Audio passive magnetic preamplifier (0dB gain) that acted as a transparent volume control ahead of it.What are the downsides of the ART FJPREII? The sound is respectable but can suffer with challenging material. If you listen to genres like orchestral music, or anything with busy instrumentation, you’re going to notice some problems in the stereo image. And while this amp has stood the test of time, the looks could definitely could use an update. Regardless, the DJPREII is a proven winner at this price point. We’d always rather steer you in the direction of a tried and tested preamp, and this model certainly fits the bill.

This means that a phono preamp’s work connects a record player to an amplifier by adjusting the phono signal to a standard line level.

Get the best new audio gear in your inbox once a week

If Freddie’s trumpet playing doesn’t have a palpable feel to it, you’re only getting part of the experience. The Croft excels at that in the right system.

Some amplifiers don’t offer sufficient grunt. You could buy a new one that does, but it’s likely to be a big upgrade, especially as you might otherwise be happy with your amplifier. So instead, you should buy a preamplifier (or phono stage, as they’re sometimes called). That way, you can get a workable output from your turntable without having to bin off some of your system. Cambridge Audio Duo design – Impressively put together Several factors control the gain figures for the low output moving coil. First, is the circuit vacuum tube solid? Usually, SS designs effortlessly reach high gain and low noise results than vacuum tubes. Typically, most people, especially beginners in the sound system, want to know why it’s essential to get a phono stage.This is where the phono stage (or phono preamp) comes in. It has two jobs. Firstly, it has the reverse response built into it – one that boosts bass and flattens treble to exactly the right degree, which should result in a tonally even presentation for the audio signal. Second, the addition of an Auxiliary input restores the input used by the SpinStage when it’s connected to an amplifier that has only a few inputs. For example, a system that includes a CD player or other device may need the input used by the SpinStage. Sadly the headphone stage is a throw-away design. You can use it in a bind but don't be surprised if it has too little power/too high of a noise floor. While useful, an important aspect seems missing. The essay has “RIAA” in several places, sometimes referencing the organization other times the frequency correction curve.