Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamplifier

The new Musical Surroundings Phonomena III phono preamplifier was designed by Michael Yee, who was the engineer and designer for MOBILE FIDELITY electronics. This preamp was first introduced in 1999 and is now offered in its third version.

The Phonomena III is entirely made in the USA, specifically in Oakland, California.

MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS PHONOMENA III: CHASSIS

This third-generation Phonomena is housed in a small all-aluminum case, half the size of a traditional audio component.

The front panel is exceptionally sleek, featuring only the brand’s logo and a blue LED indicating power status.

At the back of the device, there are two pairs of high-quality gold-plated RCA connectors. They are screwed to the chassis and offer impeccable contact quality. They are insulated with Teflon and receive a thick layer of gold plating. Additionally, there is a substantial grounding knob ensuring perfect contact and tightening.

Near the RCA jacks, there are switches for setting gain and load.

MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS PHONOMENA III: POWER SUPPLY AND CIRCUITRY

The Phonomena phono stage has been produced for nearly 25 years and has been continuously improved over the years. The basic concept remains unchanged. It is designed around a discrete component circuit that provides flexible gain and loading to maximize the performance of MM and MC phono cartridges. The component quality is excellent, and their integration is very clear. The preamp uses 17 matched transistors per channel. This drastically reduces losses and interferences, perfectly balances the right and left channels, and promotes precise and wide stereo imaging.

The RIAA equalization stage is active, unlike many competing preamps.

The circuit offers impressive adjustment possibilities via switches:

- Gain: 40, 46, 49.5, 50, 52, 54, 55.5, 56, 57, 58, 60.5, 61.5, 63, 64, and 66 dB
- Resistive load: 30, 40, 50, 59, 80, 100, 121, 150, 243, 280, 380, 475, 660, 1000, 2000, 47k, and 100k Ohms!
- Capacitive load: 100pF or 200pF

The Phonomena III is powered by an external power supply delivering 24V/200mA DC. This can optionally be replaced with the Musical Surroundings Linear Power Supply for improved performance.

MUSICAL SURROUNDINGS PHONOMENA III: TEST AND LISTENING

From the first tracks, it’s evident that the Phonomena III offers a rather unusual sound character, reminiscent of its unique circuit and design. It exhibits a certain sonic quality typical of an excellent tube phono stage, along with the transparency and neutrality found in top-notch solid-state phono stages. This is particularly noticeable in the timbre and texture of acoustic instruments and vocals. The depth and width of the soundstage are also quite unusual for a transistor phono stage.

The low end is very impressive, with powerful, dynamic, and highly articulate bass.

Despite its transparency and definition, the overall sound remains smooth and natural.

With the addition of the Musical Surroundings LPS power supply, all these qualities are further enhanced, and any minor flaws are completely eliminated. While this is an investment, it can be made later on. Consider it a step up in quality. The Musical Surroundings Phonomena III is initially designed to be paired with MM or MC cartridges in the €500 to €1200 range. With the optional power supply, it is possible to consider very high-end cartridges like the Hana Umami Blue or the Ortofon Cadenza Black. In this regard, it is an excellent alternative to the renowned Aurorasound Vida Prima or the Gold Note PH10.

Highly recommended!