When Vertere unveiled the Calon Dual Mono Precision Phono Preamplifier at Motor World during High End Munich 2024, it set a new benchmark for what a phono stage could be. From that moment, one question has driven them: what could those breakthroughs mean for the preamplifier that started it all? The answer is Phono-1 LX.

Nine years on from its debut – and following landmark upgrades to MkII in 2019 and the ‘L’ in 2022 – Phono-1 enters its most significant evolution yet. Darker backgrounds. Higher dynamic range. Razor-sharp spatial imaging. With a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room. This isn’t refinement for refinement’s sake. Every sonic improvement has been matched by a more tactile, premium feel and a visual presence worthy of the engineering within.

New Upgraded PCB: 

The new Phono-1 LX features an upgraded PCB features a superior gold-plated finish, ensuring consistent, high-quality component soldering across every connection. Designed for long-term reliability, it allows each circuit to perform at its best – every time.

Upgraded Internal DC Power Supply

Improved components in the internal DC power supply deliver cleaner, more stable DC power throughout. The result is reduced noise and a more consistent power feed to each circuit – directly enhancing the performance of the Phono Preamplifier.

New 2-way Phono Amplifier Earthing Switch

The new 2-way earthing switch offers a longer operational lifetime and easier operation, toggling simply between ‘Earth Lift’ or ‘Earth Connection’ to suit your audio setup.

Improved AC Input

A specialised inductor on the AC input impedes high-frequency interference before it enters the circuit, with a second inductor on the post-transformer output providing an additional layer of filtering – keeping the feed to the DC power supply circuit free from unwanted RF interference.

Vertere Blue-Green Power Indicator LED

The new blue-green power indicator LED aligns the Phono-1 LX visually with the DG X, Tempo, Imperium and Calon – giving the unit a striking, consistent look across the product range.

New Chassis & Cover

The new cover features a fine textured, metallic silver finish with a premium tactile feel – giving the Phono-1 LX a bold, refined look worthy of any high-end setup. Eliminating the top four fixing screws creates a cleaner, uninterrupted aesthetic, bringing the Phono-1 LX in line with the Calon and cementing its place in a family of products designed without compromise.

High Gain Option

As before with the outgoing Phono-1L MkII, there is a high gain option available for cartridges with a 0.2mV output, boosting the gain by 6.4dB. This makes the output on this high gain version of the Phono-1 LX capable of gain between 46.4dB and 69.2dB. Only for use with cartridges with a 0.2mV output, most Rega MC Cartridges for example. If you need a high gain version or need assistance in choosing the correct version of Phono-1 LX, please get in contact with us.

Cable Packages

There are 5 cable packages available to choose from when you order a new Phono-1 LX, each with an associated saving. Further details on each package are below:

Redline Signal – includes a 1.15m pair of Redline RCA. Bundle price: £2,300 Saving: £145

Redline Power – includes a 2m Redline Mains. Bundle price: £2,300 Saving: £200

Redline Signal & Power – includes a 1.15m pair of Redline RCA and a 2m Redline Mains. Bundle price: £2,900 Saving: £395

Red Rum – includes a 1.15m pair of VeRum RCA and a 2m Redline Mains. Bundle Price: £4,200 Saving: £595

Mystical – includes a 1.15m pair of VeRum RCA and a 2m Redline Mains. Bundle Price: £4,000 Saving: £795 ***Please Note: The Mystical package is only available when purchased at the same time as a Vertere DG-X turntable with a Mystic II package. This can be made available upon request, please contact us for further information.

Technical Specifications 

Type: MC/MM Preamplifier

Power Supply: Ultra Low Noise Linear, Int. Switchable

Gain Settings: 40dB to 63dB In 12 Steps – See Manual Below (High Gain version – Add 6.4dB to all settings)

Input Impedance Settings: Resistance 47k for MM & 78R to 47K for MC In 14 Steps – See Manual Below

Capacitance: 100pF & 430pF for MM & 100pF to 1.02uF for MC  In 9 Steps – See Manual Below

Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (+/- 0.2dB)

Noise: <-78dB – AWD

THD+N: 0.009% – @ 1V

Finish Front Panel Options: Anodised Vertere Orange, Silver, Black & Black Acrylic DG Style

Idle Power Consumption: 1.7 Watts

Dimensions: 210 x 240 x 55mm W x D x H (Incl. Switches & Feet)

Weight: 2.20 Kg

Warranty: 2 years (extended to 10 years upon registration with Vertere)

Manual