Icon Audio PS1.2 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
Introduced in 2005, the PS1.2 has proved to be one of Icon Audio's best sellers
It is well know that for many reasons, valves can sound much better than transistors, this is especially so with vinyl reproduction. Chiefly because:
• The massive overload of valves prevents distortion on highly modulated or scratched & worn LPs therefore minimising noise.
• The “warm” sound of valves is particularly suited to the reproduction of analogue music from vinyl.
• The huge 40db RIAA difference between 20hz and 20khz is easier for valves than transistors.
• 'Passive' design uses no “feedback”
• Simple design uses “audiophile” components.
• Hard wired point to point wiring with no printed circuit board.
You are immediately aware of the lack of grittiness and top end harshness that some designs exhibit. The sound is much more fluid and musical. The available detail is extraordinary! On good discs the background is “inky black” silent. Discs with some wear are still very listenable. When playing old mono discs the mono switch will eliminate much noise (why listen to stereo noise on a mono recording?) Almost immediately you will hear the true magic of vinyl!“
Moving Magnet or Moving Coil?
Moving magnet types are generally cheaper, and have the advantages of a high output of about 5 millivolts and a replaceable stylus.
Moving coil pickups have around 0.5 millivolts output and non-replaceable stylus. These are generally more expensive. Despite these disadvantages MC pickups generally sound better. Record masters are cut with an MC cutter. Using a MC pickup on playback has better sonic characteristics and a more linear response.
MM pickups have a small design problem with high frequency resonance with can emphasise surface noise/wear etc and have a more 'gritty' sound. That is why the majority of “high-end” pickups are MC.
However, high output MC pickups in our opinion offer little advantage, having the drawbacks of both types! MC pickups need around 10X extra gain compared with MM. This can be achieved with a transistor circuit but in our opinion never realizes the full potential that moving coil can offer, due to the reasons listed above. A good quality transformer is the best solution. Icon use high quality British custom wound torroidal type with mu metal screening. They are quiet, have a very flat frequency response, and offer a very smooth detailed sound. These may be fitted at the time of order or retro fitted as budgets allow. The front panel switching then allows you to choose either option.
Specifications and Features
• Built in volume control, will drive most power amps
• Stereo/mono switch for better S/N and distortion from mono and worn stereo records
• Choke regulated power supply
• Separate Power supply for lower noise
• Comprehensive manual supplied
• All hand wired point to point
• No printed circuit board to ‘colour’ sound
• Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot.
• All Triode valves
• 2x ECC83 1x ECC81
• Sensitivity: 3mv for 1.26v output (0.3mv MC)
• Gain MM 53db MC 72db
• Load: imp: 47k MM, 100 ohms MC
• Source impedance 50 ohms
• Signal to noise level -75db (MM unweighted)
• RIAA Freq response 20hz-20khz +0 – 1db
• NO feedback used, Passive RIAA
• High quality 2w metal film, & wire-wound resistors
• Blue LED mains indicator
• Polypropylene audio capacitors
• Silver PTFE audio cable
• DC supply for valve heaters
• Heater circuit floated to minimise heater-cathode noise
• Polished stainless steel chassis
• 6mm solid alloy front & rear plates
• Gold plated Input terminals
• 230/240volts (also 120v), 50watts 1.0A anti-surge fuse
• Dimensions
88mmW, 310mmD (350), 134mmH , 3kg Pre-amp
(figures in brackets allow for rear connections)
165mmD, 82mmW 80mmH 4kg PSU
• Shipping size/weight 42cm x 38cm x 30cm 9.6kg
• C E certified. Conforms to ROHS and WEEE
