Musical Surroundings Phonomena III Phono Preamp

Description

MY TAKE: Since its very inception, Michael Yee’s Phonomena phono preamp has been an unqualified success. It offers a wealth of flexibility along with outstanding resolution and an extremely low noise floor. A very nice unit indeed, and highly recommended. - Galen Carol
 

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. Michael Yee’s newest version is now built in Silicon Valley, California. The Phonomena III, our highest gain phono stage to date, reaches new heights in affordable vinyl playback.  

• MADE IN CALIFORNIA
• MAXIMUM 66DB GAIN  
• FLEXIBLE GAIN AND LOADING  
• SUPER MATCHED INPUT TRANSISTORS  
• NEW IMPROVED DISCRETE CIRCUITRY  
• OPTIONAL LINEAR POWER SUPPLY

Audio Circuit Highlights

    •    Super Matched Pair/Low Noise input devices

    •    Hybrid RIAA Equalization

    •    Michael Yee proprietary Subsonic filter

    •    Micro-processor control for Mute and Subsonic

    •    Multiple gain settings with 66dB maximum

    •    Extensive load settings on rear panel

REVIEWS:

HiFi News: Its "unerringly natural, lucid. Flowing presentation"… "communicating the emotion" of the music and "never let the listener feel they were missing out of the magic of vinyl" - HiFi News

SPECIFICATIONS:

Gain Settinghs: 40, 46, 49.5, 50, 52, 54, 55.5, 56, 57, 58, 60.5, 61.5, 63, 64, 66
Input Load Settings (Ohms): 30,40, 50, 59, 80, 100, 121, 150, 243, 280, 380, 475, 660, 1000, 2,000, 47k, 100k
Capacitive Loading: (pF) 100pF, 200pF
Dimensions 8.5"w x 6"d x 2"h
Weight 3lb
Warranty 3 years with registration

OPTIONAL LINEAR POWER SUPPLY

Michael Yee’s continued research into power supply designs has resulted in our Linear Power Supply (LPS). It was originally designed as a “no holds barred” power supply for charging the battery packs of our flagship Super Nova III phono stage. It is a “Classic Analog Power Supply” that uses a 50/60 Hz transformer, large storage capacitors, and low noise linear Voltage Regulators, all designed to achieve the goal of reducing noise for the best sound from an Audiophile Turntable System.

When used to power the Phonomena 2, Phonomena 2+, and Nova III phono stages, the LPS will dramatically improve their sound by providing cleaner power and eliminating the noise from a Digital Switching Power Supply. This switching noise is higher in frequency than the audio signals and can modulate the actual audio signal. The Power Supply Voltages may also have the switching noise on them. A Digital Power Supply also radiates via Magnetic Field Emissions that can be transmitted to other components in the Audio System.

The LPS uses a Tamura Transformer to convert the line voltage to a usable voltage for the Musical Surroundings Solid State Preamps. Tamura Transformers are very well known for use in Tube Amplifiers, Tube Power Supplies and other audio circuits.

Large filter capacitors and rectifiers are part of a noise reduction circuit before Ultra Low Noise, Low Dropout, Precision Voltage Regulators (Linear Technologies LT1965, LT3015). A Single Supply Connection (+22.5V) is supplied for Phonomena II, Phonomena II+, and Nova III. A multi-pin Split Supply Connection (+/-11.25V) is supplied for the Super Nova III and future designs.
 

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 8.5"w x 6"d x 2"h
Weight: 3 lbs
Warranty: 2 Years