KECES Ephono+ – RIAA preamplifier for MM, MC, and optical cartridges

KECES Ephono+ is a flexible RIAA preamplifier for those who want to be able to choose between MM, MC, and DS Audio optical cartridges. This makes it well suited to a vinyl setup where you want the option to switch between different cartridge types without also changing the phono preamplifier.

Ephono+ has a separate linear power supply with KECES' own H-Sonic™ toroidal transformer. The separated power architecture is designed to minimize interference and create stable operating conditions for the phono stage. At the same time, you get adjustable gain and loading as well as both RCA and balanced XLR outputs.

Highlights

• RIAA/phono preamplifier
• Supports MM cartridges
• Supports MC cartridges
• Dedicated input for DS Audio optical cartridges
• Separate linear power supply
• KECES H-Sonic™ toroidal transformer
• MM gain: 46 / 52 dB
• MC gain: 66 / 72 dB
• Optical gain: 24 / 30 dB
• MC loading: 56 / 100 / 220 ohms
• MM loading: 47 kohms
• Switchable subsonic filter
• Balanced XLR outputs
• RCA outputs
• Neutrik lockable XLR connectors
• 24K gold-plated RCA connectors

Flexible RIAA preamplifier for MM, MC, and optical cartridges

One of the great strengths of the KECES Ephono+ is the ability to adapt the phono stage to different types of cartridges. With an MM cartridge, you can choose between 46 and 52 dB gain, while the MC section offers 66 or 72 dB gain as well as a load of 56, 100, or 220 ohms.

Ephono+ also has a dedicated input for DS Audio optical cartridges with the option of 24 or 30 dB gain. This provides an unusually flexible solution if you switch cartridges or want to try different cartridge technologies in your vinyl setup.

Separate linear power supply

A phono signal requires significant amplification, which is why KECES has chosen a two-part design with a separate power supply and phono preamplifier. The isolated power architecture is designed to minimize interference around signal processing.

The power supply uses KECES' own H-Sonic™ toroidal transformer and delivers ±24 V DC to Ephono+. It also has built-in over-temperature protection (OTP). On the output side, Ephono+ can be connected to the rest of the system via both RCA and balanced XLR.

Practical details for vinyl playback

KECES Ephono+ also has a switchable subsonic filter. This reduces very low-frequency noise, which can occur due to vibrations from the turntable or warped records, among other things. This limits unwanted low-frequency energy before the signal is sent on to the amplifier and speakers.

For connections, KECES uses lockable Neutrik XLR connectors and 24K gold-plated RCA connectors. Ephono+ itself measures 220 × 220 × 66 mm, and the separate power supply has the same dimensions.

The result is a compact, two-part phono solution with a particular emphasis on flexibility. The combination of MM, MC, and DS Audio optical, along with adjustable gain and MC loading, makes Ephono+ appealing for vinyl systems where the option to adapt the phono stage to different cartridges is a priority.

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