The Fezz Gratia Prestige MK2 embodies all of the Polish brand's expertise in tube phono preamplifiers. It is an optimised version of the renowned Gratia Prestige phono preamplifier, featuring additional functions among other improvements.
Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2: Overview
The Gratia Prestige MK2 is housed in an aluminium enclosure slightly smaller than a standard-size audio component (355 x 380 x 95 mm). It is available in several anodised finishes.
The front panel features two rotary knobs: one gives access to the load, the other to capacitance. There is also the "Fezz" logo, which is backlit to indicate that the unit is switched on.
On top of the unit, a window looks onto a stainless steel housing where you can see the two 12AU7 tubes. The tubes are easily accessible under the sliding glass hatch on top of the preamp.
On the back, you will find a pair of RCA connectors for the MM input, a pair of RCA connectors for the MC input, a pair of outputs and a ground terminal. These connectors are of excellent quality. There is also a push button to select the cartridge type, either MM or MC, plus a second push button that adds 6 dB of gain to the selected setting. Mains connection is via an IEC C13 socket, so you can use a good power cable.
Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2: Technology
The Fezz Gratia Prestige MK2 is a phono preamplifier compatible with low and high output MC and MM cartridges. The manufacturer specifies an MM gain of 42 dB / 47 kΩ and a low output MC gain of 60 dB with a 100 Ω load, making it compatible with most MC cartridges with an output level of 0.50 mV or higher.
The circuit uses a dual-mono architecture with a two-stage audio signal amplification section.
The first stage is based on a high-quality operational amplifier and the second on two low-noise 12AU7/ECC82 tubes. It also includes a power supply specially designed to get the most out of the audio circuit, built around a superb Supreme Audio Toroidy.pl transformer.
This amplification operates in Class A to deliver exceptional performance in terms of timbre and scale. The two 12AU7 tubes are specially selected, low-noise types.
The quality of the circuit and components delivers a signal-to-noise ratio above 90 dB, channel separation above 86 dB and, above all, very low distortion, below 0.1%!
Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2: Sound
From the very first minutes of listening to the Fezz Gratia Prestige MK2, we were struck by the quality of its timbres and its sonic signature. The midrange is both warm and dense, while giving voices an "organic" quality. Strings and brass are reproduced with great realism and presence, without excessive softness. This is paired with silky, smooth treble that is in fact very realistic and quite informative.
The Fezz Gratia Prestige MK2 delivers ample yet very well-defined bass, in a thoroughly analogue tradition. Kick drums and bass lines are dynamic, punchy and highly articulate.
Like many tube phono preamplifiers, the Gratia Prestige MK2 offers a beautiful soundstage. The stereo image is wide and deep and faithfully conveys the reverberation of the recording venue.
The Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2 effortlessly renders nuances, light attacks, note decays and small changes in intensity that contribute to the realism of the reproduction.
The Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2 is particularly musical and engaging. It seems slightly more flattering than its competitors in this price range. It favours the analogue side of music, the texture of instruments, nuance and naturalness.
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FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Fezz Audio Gratia Prestige MK2 Phono Preamplifier
What load and capacitance settings does the Gratia Prestige MK2 offer?
Two rotary knobs on the front panel give access to these settings: MC load resistance of 100, 220, 470 or 1000 Ω, and capacitance of 0, 47, 100 or 220 pF. A rear push button also adds 6 dB of gain. To match these values to your cartridge, see our cartridge buying advice and our page about cartridges.
Does the Gratia Prestige MK2 have a subsonic filter and a mono mode?
Yes, both functions are included. To better understand the role of each function in a phono stage, read our complete guide to choosing a phono preamplifier and our page about phono preamps.
Are the Gratia Prestige MK2's tubes easy to access?
Yes. The two specially selected, low-noise 12AU7/ECC82 tubes are visible through a window on top and accessible under a sliding glass hatch. Find out more about this technology in our amplifiers, preamplifiers and audio tubes section.
How do I connect the Gratia Prestige MK2?
It has a pair of RCA inputs for MM cartridges, a pair for MC cartridges, a pair of outputs, a ground terminal and an IEC mains inlet. The output connects to your amplifier with RCA interconnect cables. Our guide to Hi-Fi cables and their roles walks you through each step.
FranckCompatibility: MM (Moving Magnet) and low/high output MC (Moving Coil)
Equalisation: RIAA curve
Power supply: Stabilised mains, toroidal transformer
Tubes: 2 x 12AU7/ECC82
MM gain: 42 dB
MC gain: 60 dB
MM input impedance: 47 kΩ
Variable capacitance: 0, 47, 100, 220 pF
MC load resistance: 100, 220, 470, 1000 Ω
Subsonic filter: Yes
Mono mode: Yes
Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.1%
Crosstalk: > 88 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): > 90 dB (MM) / > 86 dB (MC)
Dimensions: 355 × 380 × 95 mm
Weight: 8 kg
