Product Review

Vincent audio's two chassis pho 701 mm/mc phono preamp improves upon the best selling pho 700 with two great new features. First, it offers a usb output, allowing you to archive your vinyl tracks to your computer using easily available software you'll find on the web, including free audacity software. The second brand new feature is the ability to fine tune the pho 701 to a wide range of phono cartridges via dip switches on the bottom. With these switches, you can easily adjust the input capacitance and input impedance. The pho 701 puts its power supply in a completely separate chassis for pristine signal quality. It will reward you with an amazing vinyl experience. Separate cases for audio and power supply circuitry help isolate the signal chain from ac distortion and interference. The pho 701 performs its riaa correction with high precision for ultra low distortion and uses the highest quality audiophile parts, inside and out. It has a single phono input, which can be switched to accommodate low output mc cartridges or mm/high output mc cartridges. Vincent has deliberately omitted the typical 'wall art' ac power adapter, opting for a specially designed and highly developed outboard power supply instead. Feeling is believing. The power unit has impressive heft when held in the hand and testifies to the quality of the transformer, metal chassis, shielding, and other components. This no compromise approach to power helps the pho 701 to achieve its low noise performance. The pho 701 uses the same power supply that is already employed to great advantage in vincent's critically acclaimed pho 8 phono preamplifier. It is connected to the separate chassis audio circuitry using a nine pin din cable. The voltage is highly regulated and filtered, so that the ripple and hum found in unconditioned ac power right out of the wall will not reach the phono section. The delicate audio circuitry only receives clean power.