Initially positioned in the digital sector, then increasingly also in amplification products, the Alsatian manufacturer has until now overlooked analog playback, since neither its preamps nor its all-in-one offer a phono module.
This oversight has now been rectified with the presentation at Munich of an optional phono card – in addition to the integration of Qobuz Connect on all streamers (EX version). Integrable on all preamps, i.e. Référence series B.dpr and One series B.dpr one, this card is also a real complement for the Alpha One all-in-one (test FR VU#50; Remarkable).
Thanks to this option, the RCA 1 line input also becomes phono, and can read MM and MC cartridges. A very promising rendering, from what we were able to judge on site at High End 2025, this card lets you choose between two gain levels per cell type (MM: low (+38dB) / high (+50dB); MC: low (+58dB) / high (+70dB)), as well as four capacitance levels for moving-magnet cells (50pF, 100pF, 150pF, 200pF) and five impedance levels for moving-coil cells (33 ohm, 50 ohm, 100 ohm, 150 ohm, 300 ohm).
Based on an ultra-low-noise matched-transistor input stage, the card corrects a passive RIAA curve on two separate stages. Available now, it can be added to any of the above-mentioned units for 2 500 €, or ordered as an option on a new unit for 2 000 €.
30/05/2025
