Pathos New In The Groove
Pathos dual-chassis phono preamplifier, with impedance, capacitance and gain adjustments on the front panel to tailor the sound to any type of cartridge.
Description
In The Groove is a phono preamplifier designed by Pathos, intended to interface a turntable with an amplifier or an audio system. It is an analogue solid-state device, fitted with passive RIAA preamplification, designed to adapt to different types of cartridges thanks to its front-panel adjustments.
The unit is made up of two separate chassis: the preamplifier itself and a separate multi-voltage linear power supply. This separation is intended to isolate the amplification circuits from disturbances linked to the power supply. Three adjustments are accessible on the front panel: input impedance, selectable from 6 resistance values and 6 capacitance values, as well as gain, adjustable across 4 positions (62 dB, 56 dB, 50 dB and 43 dB). These adjustments allow the unit to be matched to the sensitivity of the cartridge used, whether moving magnet or moving coil, and to adjust the loading according to its recommendations.
The frequency response follows the RIAA curve with an accuracy of ± 0.2 dB, and total harmonic distortion is stated at 0.04% at 1 VRMS at 1 kHz. Analogue outputs comprise an unbalanced stereo RCA output and a balanced stereo XLR output, with output impedances of 75 Ohm and 40 Ohm respectively, for a maximum output level of 5.5 VRMS unbalanced and 5.5+5.5 VRMS balanced. Power consumption remains modest, at 10 W maximum during operation and less than 0.5 W on standby.
This preamplifier is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts who already own a quality turntable and cartridge, and who wish to have a separate phono stage capable of being precisely matched to their cartridge rather than relying on a phono preamplifier built into their amplifier. The dual chassis and fine front-panel adjustments are intended for a user wishing to fine-tune the sound according to the analogue source used.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | RIAA ± 0.2 dB |
| THD | 0.04% at 1 VRMS, 1 kHz |
| Gain | 62 dB / 56 dB / 50 dB / 43 dB (4 selectable positions) |
| Input impedance | 6 resistance settings, 6 capacitance settings |
| Maximum output level | Unbalanced 5.5 VRMS, Balanced 5.5+5.5 VRMS |
| Analogue output | 1 unbalanced stereo RCA, 1 balanced stereo XLR |
| Output impedance | Unbalanced 75 Ohm, Balanced 40 Ohm |
| Power consumption | 10 W max, < 0.5 W on standby |
| Preamplifier dimensions (D × W × H) | 260 mm x 200 mm x 70 mm |
| Power supply dimensions (D × W × H) | 230 mm x 60 mm x 70 mm |
What to check before buying used
On this type of phono preamplifier, check for the absence of hiss, hum or crackling on both channels by testing each of the four gain positions and the various impedance settings on the front panel in turn, as the switches may oxidise over time. The two-chassis design means checking the condition of the cable connecting the power supply unit to the preamplifier, as well as the cleanliness of the RCA and XLR output connectors. Ageing electronic components can also introduce distortion or drift in the RIAA curve that is difficult to detect without measurement.
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