model S508 "esprit II"
MC/MM Universal Phono Amplifier

The head amplifier of the ultra-low noise JFET differential circuit, and the DC amplifier with the combination of CR-type and NF-type, realizes a vivid sound and dynamic feeling with little coloring, extremely freshness, and light dynamism like air. This one automatically supports both voltage-mode and current-mode signaling. Whether it is MC-type or MM-type, you can switch the total gain and input load resistance according to the cartridge.

Features

Minimal size ― Easy to wiring from rear panel.

A compact B5 notebook-sized stainless steel chassis incorporates all the functions necessary for vinyl disc playback with MC/MM-type* cartridges. It's light to hold with one hand, so it's easy to handle the wiring from the rear panel. It also has a built-in transformer linear power supply, and there is no need for an AC/DC adapter.

*MC-type: moving coil type cartridge
*MM-type: moving magnet type cartridge (include VM-type)


Everything by operating the front panel ― Easy to operate.

On the front panel are power switch, mute, gain switching, and input load resistance switching. There is no hassle of switching the DIP switch on the rear or bottom every time you change the cartridge. It is designed in combination with a CR-type network that conforms to RIAA equalizing and has a reputation for sound quality and accuracy, and an NF-type inverted amplifier that is hard to saturate in high frequencies and has a dynamic range.

Switching total gain & input load resistance ― Supports various MC/MM type cartridges.

In order to directly capture the power generated by the cartridge, an ultra-low noise JFET differential circuit is adopted for the head amplifier. There is no particular MC/MM-type switching, and by adopting a variable gain DC amplifier, the total gain can be selected (36 to 63 dB, 6 levels), so it is compatible with both MC-type and MM-type cartridges, and the input load resistance is also switched independently (6 steps) can be done. It is also compatible with modern high-power type MC/MM cartridges.

Two types of signaling mode ― current-mode & voltage-mode.

In order to send the same power, the advantage is the "current-mode" where dropouts do not in principle. By amplifying the output of the cartridge as it is with ultra-low noise and sending out the signal directly, it is finished in a musically powerful sound quality with little coloring and high purity. Even in the case of conventional "voltage-mode", the feed-out impedance is very low, and the power amplifier in the rear stage is driven firmly. The mute, which is convenient when switching settings or replacing the cartridge, drops the output to the ground.

Original Phono Input Cable

There is also a "model S207 ― Phono Input Cable" that is less likely to pick up induced noise. For more information, please see the "Original Cables & Accessories" page.

Specifications

model S508u ― Both current-mode and voltage-mode signaling available.

Top Panel

Color variations of handmade Japanese paper

From left to right: 1.white, 2.cream, 3.plum, 4.sky-blue, 5.purple, 6.olive, 7.beige. Please choose your favorite color for top panel when you purchase order of this product.

Monotone Panel

You can also choose gray-smoke monotone.

Retail Price

model S508u "esprit II" ― MC/MM Universal Phono Amplifier

Ask our authorized distributors/dealers.