There's something undeniably captivating about the glow of vacuum tubes. Fezz Audio taps into that nostalgia with the introduction of the Gratia Prestige EVO Mk2, a tube phono preamplifier that bridges classic analog warmth with modern precision. This latest iteration brings new features to the table, enhancing the listening experience for vinyl enthusiasts.

One of the standout enhancements is the addition of adjustable input capacitance for MM cartridges, offering choices of 0, 47, 100, and 220 pF. This allows for tailoring the loading to perfectly match the cartridge's requirements. MC cartridge users aren't left out either, with selectable input impedance options of 1 kΩ, 470 Ω, 220 Ω, and 100 Ω. Such flexibility ensures optimal performance across a wide range of cartridges, catering to individual sonic preferences.

Design-wise, the Gratia Prestige EVO Mk2 stays true to Fezz Audio's aesthetic, featuring a top panel window that showcases the glowing tubes beneath. This not only adds to the visual appeal but also makes tube rolling a breeze for those looking to tweak their sound further. With eight different color finishes, it's easy to find one that fits seamlessly into any setup.

On the connectivity front, the preamplifier offers separate inputs for MM and MC cartridges, simplifying the setup process. Additional features include a mono/stereo switch, gain adjustment in 6 dB increments, and a subsonic filter to eliminate unwanted low-frequency rumble. The gold-plated connectors with Teflon dielectric insulation ensure a clean signal path, maintaining the integrity of the audio signal.

The Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige EVO Mk2 is priced at $2,000 and comes in a variety of colors such as Black Ice, Big Calm, Burning Red, Republika, Evergreen, Moonlight, and Sunlight.

**Technical Specifications:**

- **Type:** Tube Phono Preamplifier
- **Input Sensitivity:** MM – 4 mV | MC – 0.5 mV
- **Signal Gain:** MM – 42 dB | MC – 60 dB
- **Signal-to-Noise Ratio:** MM >90 dB | MC >86 dB
- **Harmonic Distortion:** <0.1%
- **Crosstalk:** MM >88 dB | MC >82 dB
- **Inputs:** 2 × RCA (MM, MC)
- **Outputs:** 1 × RCA

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Fezz Audio Launches Gratia Prestige EVO Mk2 Tube Phono Preamplifier for Vinyl Lovers

In the ever-evolving world of audio gear, it's always exciting when a new product promises great sound without the hefty price tag. Encel's latest offering, the Raw Gelati bookshelf speakers, might just be hitting that sweet spot. For those who've spent countless hours tweaking setups in the pursuit of quality sound, these speakers present an intriguing option.

The Raw Gelati is like a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to upgrade from basic speakers without diving deep into high-end territory. These compact speakers stand at 300mm tall and measure 174mm x 224mm, making them a solid choice for small to medium spaces. Encel opted for a minimalist design—a Liquorice Black finish that harks back to classic studio monitors. The matte cabinetry is complemented by ashen grey speaker cones, resulting in a clean aesthetic that fits seamlessly into various setups.

Under the hood, the Raw Gelati features a silk-dome tweeter paired with a polypropylene mid/bass driver. This combo is designed to deliver what Encel describes as "bouncy bass, glittering treble, and a confident midrange." With a frequency response covering 50Hz to 20kHz (+/-3dB) and a peak SPL of 96dB, they seem poised to handle everything from mellow jazz to punchy rock tracks with ease.

Operating at a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, these speakers are recommended for use with amplifiers rated between 25W and 100W. This makes them versatile enough to integrate into a variety of audio setups, whether you're just starting out or have a more established system.

One standout feature is their compatibility with the colorful magnetic grilles from the original Gelati line. While the Raw Gelati doesn't include grilles by default—part of Encel's effort to keep costs down—you have the option to snag any of the twelve vibrant grilles separately. Colors like Eucalyptus Green, Ocean Blue, Lemon Yellow, and Coffee Brown let you swap out the look in seconds to match your mood or decor, adding a personal touch to your sound system.

Encel hasn't overlooked environmental considerations either. They've minimized the use of single-use materials in the packaging, and detailed instructions are available online to reduce paper waste—a small but commendable step towards sustainability.

According to lead designer Sam Encel, the goal with the Raw Gelati was to strip back unnecessary elements and focus on delivering outstanding sound at an affordable price. By simplifying the design and offering a single finish option, they managed to keep costs low without skimping on quality.

The Raw Gelati speakers are now available in Australia for A$479 and will be launching in New Zealand next month at NZ$549. They come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty, which adds an extra layer of confidence for potential buyers.

For newcomers to the Hi-Fi scene or seasoned enthusiasts hunting for value, the Encel Raw Gelati could be worth a closer look.

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Encel Launches Raw Gelati Bookshelf Speakers: Affordable High-Quality Sound Now Available in Australia

The wait is finally over for fans of high-end audio equipment. Canor has officially announced the start of mass production for their highly anticipated Virtus S1S dual-channel power amplifier. First unveiled in March last year, this amplifier has been on the radar of audiophiles craving a blend of cutting-edge technology and impeccable sound quality.

Built on a "dual mono" topology and classified in the reference class, the Virtus S1S promises unparalleled channel separation and minimal crosstalk. Its fully symmetrical circuitry is a testament to Canor's dedication to achieving fidelity and clarity that can take one's breath away.

One of the standout features is the innovative approach to heat dissipation. Each channel houses five power transistors mounted on copper plates with an area of 350 mm², intentionally omitting thermal pads. This design choice enhances heat transfer efficiency, preventing overheating and boosting overall system performance.

The amplifier isn't just about clever engineering; it's a powerhouse in terms of performance. Each channel is equipped with a bank of capacitors totaling 107,600 µF, ensuring stabilized output voltage and smoothing out dynamic voltage peaks. The result is a smooth, ripple-free performance that delivers clear, distortion-free audio signals.

In terms of raw power, the Virtus S1S delivers 2 × 400 W at 4 Ω and 2 × 250 W at 8 Ω. With a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 120 dB, it's poised to bring out the best in any audio setup. The total harmonic distortion is impressively low, at less than 0.006% at 1 kHz and 5 W output.

The amplifier offers both XLR and RCA inputs, catering to a variety of configurations. Its substantial dimensions of 450 × 210 × 522 mm and weight of 39 kg underscore its solid build quality. Aesthetically, it's available in silver and black finishes, though early images suggest these might be computer-generated renders rather than actual photographs.

Priced at approximately €20,900, the Virtus S1S positions itself firmly in the high-end market segment. For those who have been following its development since its premiere at HIGHEND 2024, this announcement marks an exciting milestone. The amplifier not only showcases Canor's expertise in both tube and solid-state technologies but also sets a new benchmark for what can be expected in reference-class audio equipment.

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Canor Announces Mass Production of Virtus S1S Dual-Channel Power Amplifier

The audiophile community is buzzing with excitement over the unveiling of the Kinera Thorking, a $2,500 hybrid in-ear headphone that melds exquisite design with cutting-edge technology. Drawing inspiration from Thor's legendary battles in Nordic mythology, the Thorking combines classic and modern aesthetics to deliver not just a listening device, but a piece of art.

Encased in a brass body, this is Kinera's first all-metal earphone. The composite metal embossing process results in a precious metal shell that's not only durable but also minimizes resonance and distortion. The level of craftsmanship is evident, making it a standout piece in any collection.

Under the hood, the Thorking boasts an impressive driver configuration:

- **Driver configuration:** 1 dynamic / 6 balanced armature / 4 electrostatic drivers
- **Impedance:** 14.7 Ohm
- **Sensitivity:** 110 dB
- **Frequency range:** 5 Hz – 50 kHz

This hybrid setup aims to deliver precise and detailed audio performance across an ultra-wide frequency range. The combination of dynamic, armature, and electrostatic drivers ensures a rich and immersive listening experience, capturing every nuance of the music.

Connectivity is handled via a 2-pin 0.78 mm interface, paired with a premium 1.2-meter 7N monocrystalline copper cable terminating in a balanced 4.4mm connector. This ensures optimal signal transmission and compatibility with a wide range of high-end audio equipment.

Additional specifications include:

- **Connector type:** 4.4mm balanced
- **Cable length:** 1.2 m
- **Body material:** Brass
- **Wearing method:** Intracanal (in-ear)

The ergonomic design promises a comfortable fit for extended listening sessions. Kinera's flagships have always stood out for their uniqueness, and the Thorking is no exception. It's more than just an earphone—it's a blend of art and technology that sets a new benchmark for high-fidelity audio.

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Kinera Launches Thorking: A $2,500 Hybrid In-Ear Headphone Inspired by Nordic Mythology

Fezz Audio Launches Gratia Prestige EVO Mk2 Tube Phono Preamplifier for Vinyl Lovers

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Other articles

Encel Launches Raw Gelati Bookshelf Speakers: Affordable High-Quality Sound Now Available in Australia

Canor Announces Mass Production of Virtus S1S Dual-Channel Power Amplifier

Kinera Launches Thorking: A $2,500 Hybrid In-Ear Headphone Inspired by Nordic Mythology