AUDIO DEVICE
MM/MC Phono Preamplifier (Discrete JFET Input)
Specifications
| Category | Phono Stage |
|---|---|
| Brand | Studio Reference |
| Form factor | Desktop |
| Power source | Linear Ps |
| DAC chip | n/a |
| Amp topology | Discrete JFET input + BJT cascode |
| Output impedance | 100 Ω |
| SNR | 82 dB |
| THD | 0.002 % |
| MQA support | no |
| Price (USD) | $1199 |
| Release year | 2021 |
Overview
Discrete JFET-input phono preamplifier with switchable MM (moving-magnet) and MC (moving-coil) gain stages. JFET cascode input topology delivers under -82 dB SNR at MC gain; the RIAA-EQ network is built from 0.1% tolerance polypropylene capacitors for ±0.1 dB curve accuracy across 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
MM gain 38 dB with 47 kΩ loading; MC gain 64 dB with selectable 100 / 220 / 470 / 1000 Ω input loading. Both RCA and balanced XLR3 outputs feed downstream preamps.
Vinyl front-end pairing: turntable → phono stage → RCA grounding box → preamp/integrated. Maintenance via carbon-fiber stylus brush and alignment protractor.
Frequently asked questions
What headphones pair well with MM/MC Phono Preamplifier (Discrete JFET Input)?
Pairing depends on the impedance and sensitivity of your headphone — see the equipment pairing analyses below.