The Phono EQ.2 is a premium external phono preamplifier designed for audiophiles who wish to extract the best possible sound from their vinyl records. Tailored for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridge systems, it delivers flexibility and practicality, allowing for precise adjustments to suit the specific needs of any pickup system. As an elegant alternative to the often limited built-in phono stages found in many integrated amplifiers, the Phono EQ.2 emerges as a sophisticated solution for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
In today's market, many integrated amplifiers lack dedicated phono inputs, or when they do include them, their performance frequently falls short, meeting only basic marketing criteria rather than high sound quality expectations. Octave, committed to high-fidelity audio, addresses this with the Phono EQ.2. This preamplifier is compact yet fully featured, housed within a magnetically shielded chassis to shield it from external interference. It includes an external power supply, reducing the influence of power line frequency on the low-level signals coming from your turntable's needle.
Whether your preference is for the Moving Magnet or Moving Coil configurations, the Phono EQ.2 accommodates both, offering a range of selectable impedance settings between 62 and 1,000 ohms to match real-world input requirements. Additionally, its four-step gain control, adjustable between 58, 62, 68, and 72 dB, ensures optimal alignment with your phono cartridge's sensitivity. Moreover, the EQ.2 incorporates a finely tuned subsonic filter to protect your speaker's bass drivers from distortion.
Constructed with an uncompromising commitment to quality, the Phono EQ.2 only uses gold-plated connectors and high-grade internal components sourced from renowned manufacturers, ensuring lasting durability and exceptional performance. In terms of acoustics, the Phono EQ.2 delivers authentic Octave analog quality, faithfully reproducing the nuances of vinyl records with clarity and precision.
Physically, the Phono EQ.2 maintains a sleek black design. The dimensions of the preamplifier are 100 x 55 x 167 mm, while the power supply measures 50 x 55 x 40 mm, with weights of 0.8 kg and 0.1 kg respectively. The device's input sensitivity is set at 4 mV for MM and adjustable from 100 µV to 1 mV for MC, with input impedances of 47 kOhm +220 pF for MM and between 62 Ohm and 1 kOhm for MC. The gain is rated at 50 dB for MM, making the Phono EQ.2 a versatile and high-performance choice for those wishing to enhance the sound quality of their vinyl collection.
