Vincent PHO-701 Tube Phono Preamplifier Silver

The Vincent PHO-701 is a hybrid phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that brings a 12AU7 tube into the signal path, can be precisely matched to your cartridge via DIP switches, and can digitise your records via USB.

It's the flagship model of the Vincent phono range and the successor to the tube classic PHO-700: low-noise transistor amplification, refined by a genuine tube – in two separate housings with a fully outboard power supply.

Why the PHO-701?

Because it combines two worlds. The transistor stage provides a clean, low-noise foundation, while the 12AU7 tube – a dual triode right in the signal path – gives the playback harmonic richness and spatial depth. Vinyl, which can sometimes sound a touch harsh, gains the typical tube glow this way.

The PHO-701 is also flexible: DIP switches let you set the MC impedance in steps between 99 and 1000 ohms and the MM capacitance between 15 and 350 pF. And, as with the PHO-500, you can digitise your records at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz via USB. The elaborate power supply sits in its own housing.

What you get

• Tube in the signal path: a 12AU7 dual triode gives the sound warmth and spatial depth.
• Adjustable to your cartridge: MC impedance 99–1000 ohms, MM capacitance 15–350 pF – via DIP switches.
• USB digitisation: records your albums at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on your computer.
• Fully outboard power supply: its own housing for a quiet background.
• MM and MC: fits practically any common cartridge.

Who is the PHO-701 for?

For vinyl listeners who want the warmer, more musical tube sound while still precisely tuning their cartridge – with the option to digitise records. The best of analogue fine-tuning and tube technology in one device.

Honestly: if you prefer a neutral, sober sound, the purely transistor-based PHO-500 serves you better – it can do almost the same, just without the tube. The PHO-701 is for anyone who deliberately wants the characterful tube tone. A matter of taste, not of quality.

Our verdict

The PHO-701 is Vincent's phono flagship: tube sound, fine-tuning via DIP switches and USB digitisation in a cleanly built two-housing concept. The right choice for anyone who wants to hear vinyl with warmth and character.

Whether the tube-based PHO-701 or the neutral PHO-500 suits your taste better is best discovered by comparing them directly: call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: hybrid phono preamplifier (MM/MC) with tube, outboard power supply and USB A/D converter (tubeLine)
• Tube complement: 1 × 12AU7 (dual triode in the signal path)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total harmonic distortion: below 0.05% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Input sensitivity: MM 58 mV, MC 6.8 mV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: MM above 81 dB, MC above 69 dB
• Input impedance: MM 47 kOhms; MC 99–1000 ohms (adjustable via DIP switches)
• Input capacitance: MM 15–350 pF (adjustable via DIP switches); MC 15 pF
• Output impedance: 250 ohms
• Gain: MM 40 dB, MC 60 dB
• Inputs: 1 × stereo RCA
• Outputs: 1 × stereo RCA, USB (A/D converter up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
• Max. power consumption: 15 W
• Dimensions per housing (W × H × D): 130 × 95 × 225 mm
• Weight: 2.2 kg
• Colour: Silver
• Included in the box: PHO-701 audio unit with tube, power supply, connecting cable, power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What does the tube bring to the PHO-701?
The 12AU7 sits as a dual triode right in the signal path and shapes the sound: it gives the playback harmonic richness, some warmth and better spatial presentation. Especially with vinyl, which can sometimes sound a bit harsh, it adds more glow – without losing detail resolution.

Can I match the PHO-701 to my MC cartridge?
Yes. DIP switches let you set the MC impedance in steps between 99 and 1000 ohms and the MM capacitance between 15 and 350 pF. This way you tune the PHO-701 exactly to your system – bringing out fine resolution and the right tonal balance.

Can the PHO-701 also digitise records?
Yes. Via the USB output it works as an A/D converter and records your albums at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on your computer. Recording software (such as the free Audacity) is not included but can be used freely.

PHO-701 or PHO-500 – which suits me?
Technically they're similar: both adjustable, both with USB. The difference is the sound. The PHO-500 works purely with transistors and is neutral, the PHO-701 adds the tube and sounds warmer. If you like tube sound, the PHO-701 is your device – otherwise the PHO-500 is enough.

Why buy the PHO-701 at HD Zürisee?
Because tube sound is a matter of taste and the adjustment values need to be set correctly. We let you compare the PHO-701 and PHO-500 at leisure, know the right impedance values for common cartridges, and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.

Goes well with

More from the brand is available in the Vincent overview. The right turntable is found among our turntables, more preamps among our phono preamplifiers. We're happy to add the right cable too.