Introducing.. PHONO-1 LX

When Vertere acoustics unveiled their 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 drove 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 and 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.

What’s new?

• New Upgraded PCB:
• Our 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-1LX 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-1LX a bold, refined look worthy of any high-end setup. Eliminating the top four fixing screws creates a cleaner, uninterrupted aesthetic, bringing the PHONO-1LX in line with the CALON and cementing its place in a family of products designed without compromise.