You can find a review of our RIAA Phono Preamplifier SPL Phonos in the HiFi test magazine HiFi-IFAs. The complete review (in German) is available online – here we have compiled some highlights for you.
“SPL has been involved in home HiFi and high-end applications for 10 years with its Professional Fidelity series. Well, this has also made its way through to our HiFi blog, and we have already had a number of devices from SPL in our range of reviews. What has been missing so far is a test of a phono preamplifier from the German and we are happy to fulfill this requirement with the SPL Phonos.”
“The aluminum front makes a solid impression and the rounded edges make it look very appealing.”
Technology:
“The developers at SPL have provided a very powerful toroidal transformer for a phono amplifier and equipped the linear power supply with a good number of capacitors. In addition, SPL works with a special technology, the VOLTAiR technology, an in-house development. With its 120 volts, which consist of ± 60 volts, this technology uses considerably higher DC voltages than its competitors, who work with ± 15 volts. As normal operational amplifiers would not survive these high voltages, SPL simply developed its own. The purpose of this special technology is an increased dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom, resulting in a better reproduction of detail and a relaxed listening experience.”
Sound:
“Phonos places the music on an authentic stereo stage between the speakers.”
Conclusion:
“The SPL Phonos phono preamplifier with its unique VOLTAiR technology offers a high-quality built and clean layout. The SPL knows how to handle fine structures very well, its diction is clear and distinct. The dynamic performance of the phono stage, which retains the structures even when the sound stage is in a wild mess, is a perfect match.”
