{"product_id":"vincent-pho-500-phono-vorverstaerker-mit-usb-schwarz","title":"Vincent PHO-500 Phono Preamplifier with USB Black","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Vincent PHO-500 is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges with adjustable input impedance and capacitance, a fully outboard power supply and a USB output that lets you digitise your records on your computer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt's the most flexible model in the transistor phono range: an elaborate power supply in its own housing, high-quality components from renowned manufacturers such as WIMA and Nichicon – and DIP switches let you match it precisely to your cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy the PHO-500?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause an MC cartridge is picky: the termination impedance noticeably affects the sound. Get it wrong and it sounds dull or harsh. The PHO-500 gives you control – DIP switches let you set the MC impedance in steps between 100 and 1000 ohms, and adjust the MM input capacitance between 15 and 350 pF. This way you get the best out of any system.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThen there's the USB output: this turns the PHO-500 into an A\/D converter, digitising your vinyl treasures at up to 24-bit \/ 192 kHz directly on your computer. As with the larger Vincent models, the power supply sits in its own housing, keeping the sensitive amplifier circuit quiet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat you get\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable to your cartridge:\u003c\/strong\u003e MC impedance 100–1000 ohms, MM capacitance 15–350 pF – finely adjustable via DIP switches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSB digitisation:\u003c\/strong\u003e built-in A\/D converter, records your albums at up to 24-bit \/ 192 kHz on your computer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully outboard power supply:\u003c\/strong\u003e its own housing for maximum freedom from noise.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-quality components:\u003c\/strong\u003e parts from WIMA and Nichicon for a high signal-to-noise ratio.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMM and MC:\u003c\/strong\u003e fits practically any common cartridge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWho is the PHO-500 for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor vinyl listeners who want to precisely tune their cartridge – and for anyone who wants to digitise their record collection. If you've ever run an MC cartridge at a fixed impedance and felt there was more to be had, this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHonestly: not everyone needs this flexibility. If you use a standard MM cartridge and don't want to digitise, the PHO-300 is cheaper and just as low-noise. And if you're after the warmer tube sound, look at the PHO-701. The PHO-500 is the tool for anyone who wants to fine-tune and record.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe PHO-500 is Vincent's most versatile transistor phono stage: adjustable to your cartridge, with an outboard power supply and USB digitisation. A well-thought-out tool for ambitious vinyl fans – without an esoteric price premium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether the PHO-500, the leaner PHO-300, or the tube-based PHO-701 suits you, we're happy to clarify quickly: call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/wa.me\/41765342200\"\u003e076 534 22 00\u003c\/a\u003e (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTechnical specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e phono preamplifier (MM\/MC) with outboard power supply and USB A\/D converter (powerLine)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency response:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB); 10 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal harmonic distortion:\u003c\/strong\u003e below 0.05% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput sensitivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e MM 58 mV, MC 6.8 mV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSignal-to-noise ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e MM above 83 dB, MC above 70 dB\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e MM 47 kOhms; MC 100–1000 ohms (adjustable via DIP switches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInput capacitance:\u003c\/strong\u003e MM 15–350 pF (adjustable via DIP switches); MC 15 pF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutput impedance:\u003c\/strong\u003e 250 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 × stereo RCA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 × stereo RCA, USB (A\/D converter up to 24-bit \/ 192 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMax. power consumption:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 W\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions per housing (W × H × D):\u003c\/strong\u003e 130 × 95 × 205 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1 kg (audio unit), 1.4 kg (power supply)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eColour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded in the box:\u003c\/strong\u003e PHO-500 audio unit, power supply, connecting cable, power cable, instruction manual\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the benefit of the adjustable impedance?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith moving-coil cartridges, the termination impedance noticeably affects the sound. If it doesn't match, the sound is dull or overemphasised. With the PHO-500's DIP switches, you set the MC impedance between 100 and 1000 ohms and the MM capacitance between 15 and 350 pF to exactly match your cartridge's needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I digitise records with the PHO-500?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Via the USB output, the PHO-500 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference to the PHO-300?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe PHO-300 has fixed input values and no USB output. The PHO-500 can be matched to your cartridge via DIP switches and can digitise. Both are low-noise sonically – the PHO-500 is the tool for anyone who needs fine-tuning and USB.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePHO-500 or PHO-701 – which is better?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBoth offer fine-tuning and USB. The PHO-500 works purely with transistors and is neutrally tuned. The PHO-701 additionally uses a tube and sounds a touch warmer. Which suits you better depends on your taste in sound – we're happy to let you hear both.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy buy the PHO-500 at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBecause the adjustment options only help when they're set correctly. We know the right values for common cartridges, help you with the digitisation setup, and are personally there for you in Wädenswil on Lake Zurich.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore from the brand is available in the \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/vincent\"\u003eVincent\u003c\/a\u003e overview. The right turntable is found among our \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003eturntables\u003c\/a\u003e, more preamps among our \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ephono preamplifiers\u003c\/a\u003e. We're happy to add the right \u003ca href=\"\/en-ch\/collections\/kabel\"\u003ecable\u003c\/a\u003e too.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vincent","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989577822544,"sku":null,"price":690.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/vincent-pho-500-phono-vorverstaerker-mit-usb-schwarz-frontansicht.png?v=1787061244","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en-ch\/products\/vincent-pho-500-phono-vorverstaerker-mit-usb-schwarz","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}