Vincent PHO-500 Phono Preamplifier with USB Silver

The 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.

It'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.

Why the PHO-500?

Because 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.

Then 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.

What you get

• Adjustable to your cartridge: MC impedance 100–1000 ohms, MM capacitance 15–350 pF – finely adjustable via DIP switches.
• USB digitisation: built-in A/D converter, records your albums at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on your computer.
• Fully outboard power supply: its own housing for maximum freedom from noise.
• High-quality components: parts from WIMA and Nichicon for a high signal-to-noise ratio.
• MM and MC: fits practically any common cartridge.

Who is the PHO-500 for?

For 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.

Honestly: 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.

Our verdict

The 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.

Whether 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 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or drop by HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: phono preamplifier (MM/MC) with outboard power supply and USB A/D converter (powerLine)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB); 10 Hz – 50 kHz (±2 dB)
• 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 83 dB, MC above 70 dB
• Input impedance: MM 47 kOhms; MC 100–1000 ohms (adjustable via DIP switches)
• Input capacitance: MM 15–350 pF (adjustable via DIP switches); MC 15 pF
• Output impedance: 250 ohms
• Inputs: 1 × stereo RCA
• Outputs: 1 × stereo RCA, USB (A/D converter up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
• Max. power consumption: 10 W
• Dimensions per housing (W × H × D): 130 × 95 × 205 mm
• Weight: 1 kg (audio unit), 1.4 kg (power supply)
• Colour: Silver
• Included in the box: PHO-500 audio unit, power supply, connecting cable, power cable, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What's the benefit of the adjustable impedance?
With 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.

Can I digitise records with the PHO-500?
Yes. 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.

What's the difference to the PHO-300?
The 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.

PHO-500 or PHO-701 – which is better?
Both 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.

Why buy the PHO-500 at HD Zürisee?
Because 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.

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.