Audio Analogue Pure AAPhono Phono Preamplifier, Silver

The Audio Analogue Pure AAPhono is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that brings the turntable signal up to line level and equalises it to the RIAA curve.

The silver version shows off the brushed aluminium of the Pure AA series openly — anyone who treats their rack as furniture rather than as something to hide usually reaches for this one. Inside, three toroidal transformers do the work, one per channel and one for the control circuitry, cleanly separated from each other.

Why the Pure AAPhono?

Because the most sensitive spot in your system sits between cartridge and amplifier. This is millivolt territory, and any noise added here stays in forever. The AAPhono adds 40 dB for MM and 65 dB for MC, follows the RIAA curve to within ±0.25 dB, and inserts a subsonic filter between the gain stages so rumble and warped records don't occupy the power amp. On top of that comes a DC protection circuit that stops any DC offset from travelling further.

What you hear

First, less: less background noise, less harshness in the treble, less mud in the bass. And then more of what's actually in the groove — space, timing, the small details at the tail of a decay. What decides this is matching to your system: MM cartridges want the right capacitance, MC cartridges the right termination resistance. You set both on the unit itself, no soldering iron and no guesswork required.

Who is the Pure AAPhono for?

For vinyl listeners whose amplifier has either no phono input at all or one that was clearly built in out of duty — and for anyone who's switched from an MM to an MC cartridge and suddenly notices it sounds quieter and thinner than promised. Plainly put: if you already have an amplifier with a full-fledged phono section, the leap is smaller than the effort might suggest. A better cartridge is then probably the bigger gain.

Our verdict

The Pure AAPhono is the kind of device you set up once and then forget about — in the best sense. The precondition is that the termination values match your cartridge; get that wrong and even the best phono stage squanders its potential. Call us or write to us, and we'll work it out together: HD Zürisee, Wädenswil — +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Technical specifications

• Device type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges
• Gain: MM 40 dB, MC 65 dB (at 1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.25 dB)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM 85 dB, MC 65 dB
• MM matching: selectable input capacitance and input resistance
• MC matching: selectable input resistance
• Setting: via buttons on the unit, values stay stored after disconnecting from the mains
• Special features: subsonic filter between the gain stages, DC protection circuit
• Power supply: three separate toroidal transformers (one per channel, one for the control circuitry)
• Output level: fixed, no volume control
• Headphone output: not present
• Channels: 2
• Standby consumption (230 V): 0.5 W
• Finish: Silver
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 220 × 87 × 372 mm
• Weight: 5.8 kg

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need a separate phono preamplifier?

Because your amplifier otherwise can't do anything with a cartridge's signal: it's roughly a thousand times too quiet and needs RIAA equalisation. If the phono input is missing, nothing works without a separate stage. If one is present, its quality decides how much of the vinyl actually reaches you.

Which cartridges suit the Pure AAPhono?

Both MM and MC systems, with adjustable termination. For MM you select input capacitance and input resistance, for MC the input resistance — you set the values via buttons on the unit and they stay stored. Tell us your cartridge model and we'll tell you the right setting.

Can I connect the Pure AAPhono directly to a power amp?

No, that doesn't work. The Pure AAPhono delivers a fixed output level and has no volume control — a power amp would immediately play at full volume with it. Between phono stage and power amp there always needs to be a preamp or an integrated amplifier with a line-level input. It has no headphone output either.

Where does the Pure AAPhono get connected?

Between the turntable and a free line-level input on your amplifier, so AUX, Line or CD. The turntable's ground wire belongs on the ground terminal, otherwise you'll get a hum. That's all there is to it — and if something does hum, it's almost always down to grounding or proximity to the power supply.

Why buy the Pure AAPhono from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you beforehand whether the effort is even worthwhile for your chain — rather than just selling you something. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil has worked with vinyl since 1997, knows the usual pitfalls in matching, and has its own technician for installation and fine adjustment.

Pairs well with

Vinyl is a team sport: you'll find the selection of Turntables and Cartridges with us, everything else around the groove under All Vinyl, and more devices from the range stand in the Audio Analogue world.