Vincent PHO-300
Vincent phono preamplifier compatible with MM and MC cartridges, featuring a separate external power supply for stable, low-noise amplification.
Description
The PHO-300 is a phono preamplifier from Vincent, designed to amplify and correct the signal from a turntable cartridge before it passes to an amplifier. It comes in the form of two separate units: the phono stage itself and its power supply unit, each measuring 112 x 60 x 126 mm.
Its distinctive feature lies in the physical separation between the power supply and the amplification circuits, an approach also found on the brand's PHO-701 and PHO-500 models. This separation limits the transmission of mains interference to the audio circuit, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio above 83 dB on the MM input and above 70 dB on the MC input. Harmonic distortion remains below 0.05% across the entire 10 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response (± 0.5 dB), a criterion that determines the cleanliness of reproduction across the whole audible spectrum.
A switch on the front panel allows you to toggle between the two cartridge types: MM (input impedance 47 kOhm, sensitivity 58 mV, gain 40 dB) and MC (input impedance 1000 Ohm, sensitivity 6.8 mV, gain 60 dB). This dual compatibility, combined with an output impedance of 250 Ohm, makes it a preamplifier suited to turntables fitted with moving magnet cartridges as well as those fitted with moving coil cartridges.
It is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts who already own a turntable and an amplifier without a built-in phono stage, or who wish to replace an original phono preamplification stage with a separate unit, designed to limit interference linked to the mains power supply.
Technical specifications
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5 dB |
| Harmonic distortion | < 0.05% (20 Hz - 20 kHz) |
| MM input sensitivity | 58 mV |
| MC input sensitivity | 6.8 mV |
| MM signal to noise ratio | > 83 dB |
| MC signal to noise ratio | > 70 dB |
| MM input impedance | 47 kOhm |
| MC input impedance | 1000 Ohm |
| Output impedance | 250 Ohm |
| MM gain | 40 dB |
| MC gain | 60 dB |
| Weight (phono preamplifier) | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) x 2 | 112 x 60 x 126 mm |
What to check before buying used
On this two-unit model, check the cable linking the external power supply to the phono stage, as well as the cleanliness of the connectors joining them. Test the MM/MC switch on the front panel to ensure it toggles without faulty contact or crackling, as this mechanical component is used every time the cartridge is changed. Also listen for background noise on both inputs, as an abnormal hum may indicate ageing internal capacitors.
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