Audio Hungary Qualiton® Phono Pre-Amp
The Qualiton Phono is a high-end vacuum tube phono stage engineered for audiophiles seeking ultra-low noise and distortion. Designed to perfectly complement the Qualiton series, this premium phono preamplifier is optimized for moving magnet (MM) cartridges, delivering exceptional clarity and detail from your vinyl records. For added versatility, the Qualiton Phono can be easily upgraded to support moving coil (MC) cartridges via an optional, user-changeable card on the rear panel.
At the heart of the signal path are NOS Tungsram 6SL7GT triode vacuum tubes, renowned for their warm, musical sound signature. The phono stage employs a classic passive RIAA correction network between amplification stages, ensuring accurate frequency response without the use of negative feedback. This design choice preserves the purity and dynamics of your analog signal.
With a nominal input sensitivity of 5 mV, the Qualiton Phono efficiently amplifies low-level signals from MM cartridges, delivering a robust 500 mV output. To achieve the lowest possible noise floor, the unit features an external, stabilized power supply equipped with high-capacity filter capacitors and premium connectors, ensuring clean and reliable power delivery.
Perfect for discerning vinyl enthusiasts, the Qualiton Phono stands out as a reference-grade phono preamplifier, offering unmatched sound quality, flexibility, and elegant design for any high-fidelity audio system.
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Qualiton Phono
Next-Generation Reference Phono Preamplifier
Overview
Experience the all-new Qualiton Phono, the latest evolution in high-end phono preamplifier design, crafted for audiophiles who demand the ultimate in analog sound quality. Building on the legacy of its acclaimed predecessor, the Qualiton Phono features a completely redesigned MM preamplifier inspired by the beloved MM circuits of the C200 preamplifier. Enhanced with premium 6SL7GT vacuum tubes, this model delivers a warm, smooth, and detailed soundstage, elevating both sonic performance and visual appeal.
Vacuum Tube Technology
The Qualiton Phono utilizes 6SL7GT dual triode vacuum tubes, renowned for their warm and smooth sound character. These tubes are hand-selected for low noise, symmetry, and minimal distortion, ensuring a rich and detailed audio experience that audiophiles appreciate.
Custom Power Transformer
Each Qualiton Phono is equipped with a custom-designed power transformer, built in-house with high-permeability, large cross-section toroidal cores. Double electromagnetic shielding and epoxy potting eliminate mechanical vibrations and noise, ensuring silent and reliable operation even under heavy load.
MM and MC Preamplifier Design
The MM phono preamplifier section, refined over a decade, uses only vacuum tubes and passive elements for pure, honest tonal reproduction. The integrated MC step-up transformer, also crafted in-house, is shielded with high-permeability materials to protect sensitive circuits from magnetic interference, ensuring pristine signal integrity.
Cartridge Termination Made Simple
Cartridge termination is user-friendly, with two selectable impedance settings: Lo-Z for MC cartridges with 2–10 Ohms internal impedance, and Hi-Z for 10–40 Ohms. This flexibility allows users to easily match their cartridge for optimal performance.
Optimized Layout and Noise Control
The sophisticated internal layout minimizes noise and maximizes performance. The shielded R-core power supply stabilizes all DC voltages, while extensive electrostatic and magnetic shielding protect sensitive points. The previously external power supply is now integrated, and the electron tubes are elegantly displayed on top of the chassis.
Protective Features
For enhanced reliability, the Qualiton Phono includes a delay circuit that activates outputs after a 30-second warm-up and instantly disconnects them during power loss, preventing unwanted noise and protecting your audio system.
Premium Components
Only the highest quality components are used, including gold-plated ceramic tube sockets, gold-plated audio terminals, film capacitors, ceramic composition resistors, and long-life, high-temperature capacitors, ensuring optimal performance and durability.
Aesthetic Design
The Qualiton Phono is designed for visual neutrality and timeless elegance, seamlessly integrating into any high-end audio system while maintaining a distinctive, recognizable look.
Technical Specifications
- Nominal Output Level: 0.7 Volts
- Input Sensitivity: 5.0 mV (MM), 0.4 mV (MC Hi-Z), 0.3 mV (MC Lo-Z)
- Max Input Signal: 120 mV (MM)
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (-0.5 dB, MM)
- Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.1% (1 kHz, MM)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 70 dB below nominal output (MM)
- Input Impedance: 47,000 Ohms (MM)
- Recommended MC Cartridge Impedance: 10–40 Ohms (Hi-Z), 2–10 Ohms (Lo-Z)
- Gain: +43 dB (MM), +65 dB (MC Hi-Z), +68 dB (MC Lo-Z)
- Inputs: 2 phono level (MM, MC)
- Outputs: 1 unbalanced line level
- Vacuum Tubes: 4 x 6SL7GT
- Power Requirement: 80 W max
- Weight: 8 kg
- Dimensions: 34 cm (L) x 24 cm (W) x 16 cm (H)
Handcrafted with precision and passion, the Qualiton Phono sets a new standard for reference phono preamplifiers, making it the ideal choice for vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles seeking unmatched analog performance.