SKU: 5146795268

SPL PHONOS DUO RIAA Phono Preamplifier (Silver)

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Description

SPL PHONOS DUO RIAA Phono Preamplifier (Silver)Great design a must have Visually, the SPL Phonos duo Phono Preamplifier fits perfectly into the SPL HiFi line Professional Fidelity and is of course available in the three basic colors black, red or silver. MM & MC There are two cartridge systems for turntables: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC). Moving Magnet Moving magnet cartridges generate a voltage by moving a magnet between copper coils. In order to achieve the best possible linearity of

Great design – a must have
Visually, the SPL Phonos duo Phono Preamplifier fits perfectly into the SPL HiFi line Professional Fidelity – and is of course available in the three basic colors black, red or silver.

MM & MC
There are two cartridge systems for turntables: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC).

Moving Magnet
Moving magnet cartridges generate a voltage by moving a magnet between copper coils. In order to achieve the best possible linearity of the frequency and phase response, the capacitance is modified to adjust the cartridge. Phonos duo offers six different capacities for this adjustment: 12 pF, 47 pF, 100 pF, 150 pF, 220 pF und 330pF

Moving Coil
The moving coil cartridge is also a small electromagnetic generator. However, the magnets are firmly anchored – and the coils move between the magnets. This concept is exactly the opposite of the moving magnet cartridge. Consequently, it is not the capacitance but the impedance that is the decisive parameter in matching the cartridge. Phonos duo offers six different impedances for this adjustment: 20 ohms, 50 ohms, 100 ohms , 220 ohms, 500 ohms and 1 kohm.

MC or MM ?
Moving coil cartridge systems are commonly regarded as the more audiophile systems, as they allow a faster and therefore a finer cartridge due to their low mass. They bring out the fi nest nuances of the record. The output voltage of a moving coil cartridge system is extremely low at just a few hundred microvolts and is therefore more sensitive to noise and induced hum.

The very low output voltage makes preamplifier design a challenge, because it has to be pre-amplified extremely noise-free. With up to 70 dB preamplification, Phonos duo offers one of the most powerful phono preamplifiers for moving coil systems. Thanks to SPL 120V technology, Phonos duo amplifies extremely low-noise, linear and phase-locked.

Moving coil cartridges have a very low inductance and impedance.
This means that the effects of cable capacitance (from the cartridge to the preamplifier) are not that significant. The impedance, however, is the relevant parameter here and can be set in six positions on the Phonos duo. The manufacturers specify the impedances of the cartridges. These should be followed as closely as possible.

Moving magnet cartridges, on the other hand, are more rugged and often less expensive.
The greater mass of the moving magnets causes more inertia, which results in less precise reading of the record. However, modern moving magnet systems also use neodymium magnets, which have a significantly lower mass. Such moving magnet systems can also keep up with some moving coil systems in terms of accuracy.

Capacitance plays a significant role with moving magnet cartridges.
This means that the effects of cable capacitance (from the cartridge to the preamplifier) can‘t be ignored here. The capacity for moving magnet cartridges can therefore be set to six values on the Phonos duo to be optimally adapted to the system.

Tipp: If there is any doubt as to which capacitance corresponds to that of the cartridge, simply switch through the capacitances on the Phonos duo. As long as the high frequency range increases, the capacitance is lower than that of the cartridge. If the high frequency range reduces again, the capacitance is higher than that of the cartridge.

Free choice – balanced or unbalanced
Phonos duo offers two pairs of stereo inputs and outputs. A pair of balanced inputs and outputs with XLR inputs and outputs and a pair of unbalanced inputs and outputs with RCA connectors.

The INPUT switch on the front of the Phonos duo can be used to switch between the two stereo inputs

The output signal is always present in parallel at both output – regardless of the selected input

Connections
Gold-plated RCA sockets are available for connecting the turntable and for outputting to a preamplifier such as the Director Mk2 or the Elector.

A ground connection for the turntable is designed as banana plug socket. The ground lead can be either clamped or plugged in.

Phonos duo also features a switch on the rear panel labeled GND LIFT. This ground lift function can be used to eliminate ground loops by isolating the internal ground from the housing ground when the switch is pressed.

Perfect level
The GAIN switch can be used to set the pre-amplification, i in other words the output level of the Phonos duo. There are three values to choose from.

In the “Low” position, the amplification for MM systems is +30 dB and for MC systems +50 dB. This is ideal in combination with standard HiFi devices that operate with a reference level of -10 dBV In switch position “Med”, the amplification is increased by 10 dB (MM = +40 dB, MC = +60 dB). If the switch is in the “High” position, the gain is increased by a further 10 dB (MM = +50 dB, MC = +70 dB). This means that the output level is approximately as loud as that of modern DA converters at a reference level of 0 dBfs = 15 dBu.

Rumble
The rumbling of the turntable‘s drive mechanism is amplified by the high amplification of the bass range due to RIAA equalization in playback (see RIAA equalization). The Phonos duo offers a switchable subsonic filter to remove this rumble.

Mono
The MONO switch can be used to select whether the stereo input signal should be output as a regular stereo signal or summed to mono (switch in the On position). This is useful, for example, when using a mono system to play mono records.

Mute
The MUTE switch can be used to mute all outputs.

On
The Phonos duo can be switched on with the ON switch (switch is in the upper position).

Sounds good
With all devices of the Professional Fidelity series we develop not only according to plan, but also by ear. Many important components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology. This way we can ensure that we can use the best sounding components.

RIAA Equalization
RIAA equalization is a specification for the recording and playback of records proposed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The RIAA equalization curves introduced a global de facto industry standard for vinyl records in 1954.

RIAA equalization uses pre-emphasis to reduce low frequencies and boost high frequencies when the record is cut (blue RIAA curve).

The bass is reduced by up to 20 dB to provide more space and longer record play time.

The high frequencies are boosted by up to 25 dB to increase the signal-to-noise ratio between the noise of the record media to the audio signal.

During playback, exactly the opposite happens in the Phonos. The de-emphasis filter (red RIAA curve) compensates for the pre-emphasis and the result is a linear frequency response.

Douglas Self Design
The RIAA equalization of the Phonos was developed according to the recommendations of Douglas Self.

Idea: Many small capacities instead of a few large capacities.

Advantages: The capacitors charge and discharge faster, which results in better resolution and faster impulse response.

Only audiophile Styroflex capacitors are used in the entire RIAA equalizer. About the person: Douglas Self is a British electronics engineer with a strong penchant for audio. He holds honorary degrees from Cambridge University and teaches psychoacoustics at the University of Sussex.

Specifications

Analog Inputs & Output: XLR (balanced) and RCA

  • Input impedance (MM): 47 kΩ
  • Input impedance (MC): switchable
  • Output impedance: 75 Ω
  • Frequency range: 10 Hz–100 kHz
  • Crosstalk: -80 dBu

Moving Magnet (MM) Preamplifier

  • Amplification Low: 30 dB
  • Amplification Med: 40 dB
  • Amplification High: 50 dB
  • Capacitance (switchable): 12, 47, 100, 120, 220, 330 pF
  • Noise (A-weighted; 50 dB amplification): -82 dBu
  • Dynamic range (50 dB amplification): 132 dB

Moving Coil (MC) Preamplifier

  • Amplification Low: 50 dB
  • Amplification Med: 60 dB
  • Amplification High: 70 dB
  • Impedance (switchable): 20, 50, 100, 220, 500, 1000 Ω
  • Noise (A-weighted; 70 dB amplification): -62 dBu
  • Dynamic range (70 dB amplification): 129 dB

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

  • Operating voltage for analog audio: +/- 60 V
  • Operating voltage for relays and LEDs: + 12 V

Mains Power Supply

  • Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber): 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
  • Fuse for 230 V: T 0,5 A
  • Fuse for 115 V: T 1 A
  • Power consumption: max. 30 VA
  • Stand-by power consumption: 0,3 W

Dimensions & Weight

  • W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth): 278 x 57 x 300 mm / 11 x 2.24 x 11.81 inch
  • Unit weight: 3.3 kg / 7.27 lbs
  • Shipping weight (incl. packaging): 4.45 kg / 9.81 lbs
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 5146795268

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★★★★★ 4
Good value for the money
Size: For BMW E46 2002-2005
The matte is flawless and looks pristine & super easy to install. It does fit and it’s a good enough fit for a daily driver; however, it’s not a flawless fit. It’s off by maybe a 1/16th on the inside corners. It’s amazingly close despite the price point…would definitely recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022
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Slow Walk
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 1
VERY poor materials and fit for E46, WILL FALL OUT
Size: For BMW E46 2002-2005, Size: For BMW E46 2002-2005
This part resembles the original, but not enough. It is both too big AND too small, depending on the dimensions. It's too small from top to bottom, and too big from side to side. The locking tabs don't get close enough to lock (see pics) because there is too little clearance. Viewing from the front, the outer top corner is so far out (see pics) that the most important tab cannot properly lock in, causing the grill to drop out into my hand (or the ground, if I wasn't there to catch it). The grill also is missing some important curves to follow the shape it is supposed to fit into. It also wasn't matte black as ordered. It looks like it was spray-painted, but I can't be sure. it is made of VERY brittle plastic, and the locking tabs are VERY small and flimsy. I wouldn't expect this part to survive a month or two before blowing away in a medium breeze. One positive is that there is a relief cut to allow the hood safety catch handle to move fully upward without interfering with the plastic grille. That one positive has a lot of making up to do, and there's no way it can do it. Add to that that the seller included instructions for a car fifteen years newer than the model advertised on the item page, and we have a complete failure. But don't worry! I'm sure the seller will probably delete the listing and make a new one so they don't have to have this honest review attached to it.
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Will Gonzalez
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality grills for e46 BMW
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No reason to buy replacement grills at the dealer or even at an auto parts store. These are great quality for a fraction of the price...and you get both sides. Highly recommended if you have an e46 and the grill plastic has deteriorated and is loose. These grills are thick and robust. I like them better than the original. Fit is snug but they look great.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2025
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kyaw zin
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★★★★★ 3
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It fits but you have to cut some plastic to have room for hood latch
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