Phono Preamp Reviews

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Gramophone Dreams #106: Lab12 Melto2 Phono, Tzar DST V1 Black Knight Corian, Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250

Herb Reichert Feb 25, 2026 0 comments

On the front page of its owner's manual, Greek amplifier manufacturer Lab12 describes the Melto2 ($4995) as a "Remote Controlled, Fully Adjustable Phono Preamplifier." I'd describe it as a clear-speaking, fun-to-use, cartridge- and record-collector's dream. Plus: It's got tubes.

Brilliant Corners Digital Processor Reviews Integrated Amp Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Brilliant Corners #37: A Lejonklou System

Alex Halberstadt Apr 14, 2026 0 comments

The more I listen—to gear I'm reviewing as well as other people's hi-fis—the more I believe in intangibles. One of these intangibles is the art of system building.

Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews Spin Doctor

Spin Doctor #36: Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl S phono preamp, Sumiko Oriole phono cartridge

Michael Trei May 13, 2026 0 comments

I get nervous when I hear that an audio company I like is suddenly under new ownership. Are the new owners planning to carry forward the legacy of the company's founders, or will they try to move things in a different direction?

Digital Processor Reviews Gramophone Dreams Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Gramophone Dreams #110: LAiV Harmony µDAC, Etsuro Urushi Cobalt Blue, Bob's Devices Sky 20-S

Herb Reichert Jul 01, 2026 0 comments

In my studio, I have a hand-sized wood box. It is the soundbox of an African musical instrument with a small internal volume, a pencil-sized sound hole, a bent steel bridge, and an array of eight steel wires with flattened ends—a keyboard. It is called a mbira . . . you can buy a spiffy varnished mbira at Walmart, where it is called a "Kalimba."

Phono Preamp Reviews Spin Doctor Tonearm Reviews

Spin Doctor #38: the Sorane ZA-12 tonearm and Parks Audio Waxwing phono preamp

Michael Trei Jul 10, 2026 0 comments

In 1936, the great blues pioneer Robert Johnson recorded his song "Cross Road Blues," which many interpret as his telling the story of how he went to a crossroads and fell to his knees to make a deal with the devil, selling his soul in exchange for musical genius.

Brilliant Corners Headphone Reviews Media Server Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Brilliant Corners #41: Allnic H-7000 phono stage, Grimm MU2 streamer, Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Earphones

Alex Halberstadt Jul 22, 2026 0 comments

Most of us, most of the time, live in the world of good enough. On a Saturday, we might drive our Ford Fiesta to pick up a polo shirt at Banana Republic, then dine at Outback Steakhouse, and later get ready for bed with a mug of Celestial Seasonings Caramel Apple Dream tea while watching an episode of Hoarder House Flippers.

Gramophone Dreams Phono Cartridge Reviews Phono Preamp Reviews

Gramophone Dreams #112: Audio Note IO II phono cartridge & Audio Note AN-S4L SUT

Herb Reichert Aug 26, 2026 0 comments

When I began writing for Stereophile in 2014, I decided not to mention Audio Note. I decided this because during the best part of the 1990s, I enthusiastically represented both Audio Note UK and Audio Note Japan (Kondo). I did not want my new readers thinking my Stereophile review stories were biased by my previous affiliations.