Lab12 Melto2 phono preamplifier

The Greek brand Lab12 is renowned for its high-quality tube amplifiers and preamplifiers. To complement its range, founder Stratos Vichos offers a high-end phono preamplifier that combines performance and musicality: the Melto2.

Lab12 aimed to create a phono stage that "fuses the past and the present" with 21st-century technology.

LAB12 MELTO2: CASE AND ACCESSORIES

The Melto2 phono preamp comes in a beautiful, fairly large case that could easily house a power unit of several hundred watts!

The Melto2 includes a remote control that allows you to adjust the settings from your couch.

LAB12 MELTO2: FRONT AND REAR PANELS

The front panel is available in 5mm brushed natural or black aluminum.

In the center is an OLED screen displaying settings information (inputs, gains, loads, EQ). On the right side of the screen, a selector allows for power on/off and mute functions, while the left side controls navigation and selection.

The back of the Melto2 features three distinct RCA phono inputs, each with its own ground connection. There are two output options: unbalanced (RCA) or balanced (XLR).

LAB12 MELTO2: SETTINGS

You can adjust the MC resistive load with 11 levels: 25, 27, 34, 40, 60, 66, 73, 79, 88, 100 Ohms and beyond!

For MM, you can adjust the capacitance (100, 200, 300 pF) and also the resistance with many levels: 12.5, 13, 14, 17, 25, 27, 30, 32, 36, 40, 47 kOhms! It will be hard to find a cartridge that is not compatible with this preamp...

With three gain settings (38, 58, and 64dB), the Lab12 Melto2 can be paired with MM, low-output MC, and medium to high-output MC phono cartridges.

Additionally, it offers three equalization curves: RIAA, DECCA, and Columbia, along with a Mono position.

LAB12 MELTO2: CIRCUITRY

The internal construction is very meticulous, and the quality of the components is excellent.

The Melto2 is a true "full" tube phono stage. Its design is based on two double triodes E88CC and two double triodes 6n2p-EV (12AX7).

The circuit is powered by a large toroidal transformer. Filtering is handled by six high-value capacitors paired with five voltage regulators.

MC gain and low impedance primary load are achieved by two Lundahl transformers, known for their musicality and quiet operation, the LL9226! Additionally, it features high-end polypropylene coupling capacitors branded "Lab12".

LAB12 MELTO2: TESTING AND LISTENING

We tested it with three different low-output MC cartridges: an Ortofon Cadenza Black, an Ortofon Anna Heritage, and a Sumiko Starling.

From the first notes, this phono preamp is reminiscent of legendary tube preamplifiers (Conrad Johnson, EAR Y…). It exhibits the presence and tonal quality of these devices.

The Lab12 Melto2 clearly enhances musicality and harmonic richness. This is especially appreciated in vocals, strings, and brass. However, it should not be compared with "vintage" phono preamps that were noisy, colored, and lacked dynamics and transparency.

With the Lab12 Melto2, it's a different world! It demonstrates finesse, transparency, and clarity, comparable to a well-known brand from Minnesota.

The bass is precise and "punchy," contributing to the spaciousness and precision of the soundstage. The highs are as impressive as the technology used: precise, clear, and very silky.

The Lab12 Melto2 phono preamplifier is a delightful and genuine surprise. It offers a unique musicality and approach in this price range. Additionally, its ease of use and remarkable ergonomics (adjusting parameters via remote control from your chair!) are undeniable assets!

Our favorite! Highly recommended +++.