Phono preamp

The Atom Phono is a powerful RIAA phono preamplifier that doubles as a transparent equalizer. It can function as a simple equalizer, a phono preamp, or both, or neither! Its adjustable gain (30 or 40dB) delivers more power than the built-in phono preamps of integrated amps. It is also much more faithful, with infinitely lower noise and distortion. The Atom Phono gives you exactly what you need from a phono preamp, and then some. It is designed to integrate into your existing vinyl setup or in conjunction with other Atom series devices.

Tone Control

The Atom phono's 2-band equalizer is a low-noise adaptation of a Baxandall-type circuit. It is designed to deliver deeper bass and sparkling highs. This equalizer is very transparent and does not affect the performance of the phono stage, which is particularly neutral. You can also bypass it completely.

Double gain

Atom Phono offers selectable gain of 30dB or 40dB. At 40dB, a standard 15mV moving magnet (MM) cartridge will be amplified to over 1.5VRMS. That's about 4 times more powerful than a typical phono preamp!

Subsonic filter

A subsonic filter based on the NJM5532 prevents low-frequency noise from the turntable from being amplified and sent to your amp and speakers. It helps improve audio clarity and prevents unwanted speaker movement at very low frequencies.

Low noise

The Atom Phono achieves remarkably low noise as a phono preamp, even at high gain.

Technical characteristics

Dimensions

• Case dimensions (mm, with buttons): 145 x 132 x 35 mm
• Weight: 482gr
  

Configuration

• Inputs/Outputs: RCA
• Phono gain: 30 and 40 dB
• Phono Input Impedance: 220k, 100pF

Phono performances

• SINAD at 1 kHz, 15 mV: 90 dB
• Signal to noise ratio: 89 dB
• Noise (low gain, A-weighted): 5 µV
• Crosstalk at 10 kHz: -82 dB
• SMPTE Report: -87 dB
• Dynamic range: 96 dB

Tone Section Features (2-band EQ)

• SINAD at 1 kHz, 2 VRMS, centered buttons: 110 dB
• Noise, buttons centered: 3.8 µV
• Frequency response, knobs centered: 20-20 kHz +/- 0.13 dB
• Bass - adjustment range: +14 to -23 dB
• Bass - cutoff frequency: ~150 Hz
• Treble - adjustment range: +13 to -22 dB
• Treble - cutoff frequency: ~2 kHz

Included items

• Atom Phono
• 15 VAC power supply