Aural Thrills Audio MM/MC Phono Amplifier All tube Last phono amp you will ever need

MADE IN USA

All Tube MM/MC Phono pre amp

Adjustable cartridge loading, 120/240v

Here are the latest review from some customers:

Hi Tom

I changed the setting back to M C @ 100 ohms after trying a higher setting,I
took the sot out of the configuration, I warmed the amp up with one side of
Bach and then I played my reference album, Dark side of the moon.

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD this would equal  the most discerning systems at any cost,
the separation and darkness of the sound stage just blew my mind I am not
changing the cartridge, it could use a little more mv output to be perfect but
it is not worth the effort as this turntable is a bear to change. Thank you
for leading me away from the H O M C, I did buy the denon 103 r and I am going
to install that on a Thorens 160 that is being refurbished and up graded with
todays technology or possibly a VPI classic if I can get the right price on
that and sneak it into the house so my wife doesn't see it.

At any rate I could not be happier with this very fine pre amp you would be
hard pressed to find one that functions as flawless at any price. It is a
great product and you are a absolute pleasure to deal with.

I will send you the tracking # when I go to the post office, but now It is
Beatles time

Thanks

Here is another review just received:

Douglas Robert Hounsell <1blues4fun@

Fri, Oct 17, 2014 at 2:25 PM



To: Tom Kenny <[email protected]>






Good afternoon Tom,
The preamp is here and I must say I am quite impressed with the
build quality and construction of piece. First rate and it looks
great in the rack. However looks aside after plumbing it up into
system the real proof of your Phono pre with the balanced outs
is what really matters to me!  After listening to a MFSL Rolling
Stones “Let it Bleed” I was quite pleased, then on to Stealy
Dans “Aja” I  was rapidly becoming an Aural Thrills Audio fan
big time. The punch combined with a subtle smoothness is
magnificent. Lower register notes on piano are outrageous clean,
tight and dominate. I am fully aware how difficult it can be to
accomplish this as I worked my tail off with Leon Russell’s
engineer one evening getting this very thing “right” at a show I
produced and engineered some years ago. Thank you for your
devotion to what matters in your craft. Perfection takes its
toil on the less passionate but their always will be folks like
me that understand and appreciate folks like you. Now on to the
Beach Boys “Pet Sounds”

Thanks Again

Doug Hounsell
[Quoted text hidden]

Hi Tom,

Yes I received the pre amp in good condition and I sent you a response on Ebay
for your product.


I set it up and it sounds great! I've invested in an affordable LP vinyl
washing system, and with a modified vac system, my record collection has been
given new life!


The Marantz SR8001 amp and Technics SP15 turntable/Grado cartridge are
sounding really clean with your phono stage.


Thank you for your excellent workmanship.


Best,


Phil

 

Tom,


Received the amp and plugged it in to the CD input of my Yamaha A-S700 amp. I
have a Yaquin MC-100B that’s been modified by a tech in Australia and a pair
of Sonus Faber Concertinos, but all unfortunately still in storage.

I am listening to some Australian country music, the hairs on the back of my
neck are standing up - I’ve honestly never heard it sound so clear, present
and detailed.

Can’t wait to spend some quality time with your preamp. Maybe I’ll just plug
the headphones in and kick back for a couple hours….

Thanking you, sir.


Shawn.

 

I have designed this unit for optimum sound and ease of use. It is capable
of delivering stunning performance in both MM and MC mode. The reason, it is
an all tube unit. No step up transformer needed. I have tried all types of MC
step up transformers and solid state amplifier devices for the critical first
gain for a MC cartridge. I have tried a high output MC cartridges so I did not
have to have the extra gain. Nothing sounded as good as a low output moving coil amplified by tubes.

A phono stage amplifies such a small starting signal that any outside
interference becomes a hum or other distortion. RFI/EMI becomes real problems
at these signal levels. Tube rush can also be a problem. I have worked years
to overcome these obstacles. The result is an amplifier that is dead quiet,
has great detail, and can play just about any type of cartridge made. Choose
between 42 or 56 db of gain. Cartridge loading is 47K MM and 100, 510, 1.3k,
and2.7k for MC.

I started with a commercially available board. I used a combination of  and Wima capacitors and 1% film resistors.
All electrolytic capacitors are the new Nichicon MUSE high end Audio grade. These are
awesome and make electrolytic capacitors sound deep and rich. Four supplied 12ax7 tubes
provide plenty of quiet gain. Take the cover off and you can adjust gain and
cartridge loading with with built in switches.

All traces on the board are made of Silver for detail and power. All tube
sockets are Gold plated for trouble free service. All parts are hand selected
to insure a large soundstage. Every power circuit in this amp has been
designed on a computer program for optimum voltage and ripple free DC. I have
built and listened to at least 10 different circuits until I settled on this
one. It has that you are there quality.

Many amps and pre amps use exotic power supplies. They are regulated by
solid state devices. In the end they sound like a solid state device, not
tubes. All power supplies in my unit are NOT regulated but instead designed
correctly from the start. This results in a more tube like presentation and a
more live, you are there type of sound. Schottky diodes are used for the
filament supply. Modern super fast soft recovery diodes are used on the power
supply. All of this for a quiet unit which sounds like real live music. It is
spooky.

HOW CAN THIS AMP BE ANY GOOD AT THIS LOW
PRICE?

 

As you can see, I have not spent a great deal on the
cosmetics of the unit. No fancy case, no fancy knobs, no fancy finish, only
quality parts used everywhere that it counts. I am so sure that you will love
this amp that I offer a no questions asked 14 day trial period. What have you
got to lose? For those of you who require that last 2% of perfection I offer a
package of high dollar capacitors. Most people do not know that you can buy
capacitors from $.98 to $150/ea. and more for the same value. Capacitors make
one of the most profound effects in amplifier performance. Packages start at
$200 and up. Contact for details.

• Computer designed power supplies


• Natural brushed Aluminum finish


• Chokes used in each supply


• MC/MM


• Adjustable loading


• 4 X 12AX7


• Super Quiet


• Best sounding unit around


• Nichicon Muse electrolytic caps

These units are in stock and ready for immediate shipment. Please call or
email for any additional questions. As with all of my amplifiers, you may
return if not satisfied.