Vertere Phono-1 MKII L phono preamplifier

For a few years now, the British manufacturer Vertere has been offering a highly versatile phono preamplifier that allows adjustment with the majority of MM and MC cartridges on the market. It is now undergoing a rejuvenation and a new designation: the Vertere Phono-1 MKII L.

VERTE PHONO-1 MKII L: FRONT PANEL AND BACK PANEL

The Phono-1 MKII L is housed in an elegant aluminum enclosure. It is available with a black, natural aluminum, or an original orange front panel. A Gloss black finish is also available to match the look of the manufacturer's turntables.

The front panel features a single power switch.

The back of the unit is equally straightforward! It features 2 pairs of RCA jacks (input and output), an IEC mains socket, and a ground switch that offers the options of "Hard Ground", "Ground Lift", or "Soft Ground" connection for both the preamplifier and the chassis. This helps minimize any hum that may be introduced between the Phono-1 MKII L and the amplifier.

VERTE PHONO-1 MKII L: SETTINGS

The underside of the chassis is where things get most interesting... The Vertere Phono-1 MKII L offers, via switches, a multitude of settings to closely match the technical data of the cartridge.

The MC load is adjustable from 78 to 47k Ohms with 15 steps. Gain can be set from 40.2 to 62.8 dB, with 10 steps. Capacitance can also be adjusted with 9 values from 100 pF to 1.02 uF.

For MM, the load of 47Kohms is associated with a capacitance of 100 or 470 pF.

VERTE PHONO-1 MKII L: CIRCUITS

The gold-plated printed circuits are of high quality. The RIAA section and the power supply and transformer section are separated by a partition that prevents radiation, thus ensuring no unwanted interference on the audio signal.

Vertere uses only high-quality components, which are secured with special soldering, providing consistent and long-term optimal performance.

VERTE PHONO-1 MKII L: TESTING AND LISTENING

Right from the start, the Vertere Phono-1 MKII L phono preamplifier offers surprising dynamics and detail resolution. The timbres are very natural and exhibit a lot of refinement.

The Phono-1 MKII L brings a lot of life to the music. It favors the physical side of the music more than the melodic side. In this regard, the tempo is perfectly reproduced, and the transients are very realistic.

There's a very bright and informative midrange and upper midrange, without adding aggressiveness or harshness.

The soundstage is spacious, with a nice localization of performers.

The new Vertere Phono-1 MKII L phono preamplifier will delight music lovers looking for a phono preamp offering great dynamics, excellent definition, and unmatched cartridge adaptability comfort in this price range.

Highly recommended!

AWARDS:

What Hi-Fi "Awards 2020 and 2021"

HIFI CRITIC "Best Buy"

STEREO MAG

Hi-Fi+ - 2017