PS AUDIO

The GCPH PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

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SUGGESTED PRICE US$ 999.00 (In Stock)

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High end phono preamplifier for moving coil and moving magnet cartridges. The GCPH is a state of the art phono preamplifier that can act as a standalone system feeding your power amplifier directly if you wish, or as an input to your preamplifier. The GCPH utilizes a passive RIAA curve, PS Audio’s revolutionary Gain Cell technology, and ultra low noise high-headroom class A amplification inside. The GCPH represents the culmination of PS Audio’s 35 years of expertise building phono preamplifiers

Bellari

The VP130 Tube Phono Preamp

MSRP 300.00
SALE! US$250.00
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SAVE $50.00

VP130 TUBE PHONO PREAMP

The VP129 is designed to amplify an RIAA equalized phono signal to a Hi-Fi level signal, and is intended for magnetic pickups. Since the unit utilizes tube circuitry, the resulting output signal is more warm and musical than solid state preamplifiers.

RIAA Equalization
All tube circuitry
Switchable Rumble Filter
Mute Switch
Headphone Output with variable Level control
Steel Chassis

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

I/ O Connectors: 		RCA, 1/4" TRS Stereo
Input Sensitivity:		30 dB gain @ 1kHz, 47k W Input Z
Input Impedance: 		50k Ohms
Output Impedance:		8 Ohms Headphone, 100 Ohms RCA
Max Output Level:		>10dB @ 1kHz at at .1% dist.
Equalization:               RIAA +/- 1.5 dB, 20Hz to 20kHz
Rumble Filter:		20Hz
THD 			.02% @ 1KHz
S/N Ratio:		>80 dB unweighted
PWR: 			12 - 16 VAC (PS12 or PS12E)
Size:			6"w x 2.5"h x 5.4"d
Weight:			1 lb
Indicator:		1 Power LED

ROLLS VP 29

MSRP US$79.00
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The VP29 is used to amplify an RIAA equalized signal from a turntable to a line level and standard equalization.

FEATURES:

RIAA eq.
RCA inputs/outputs - 1/4 inch TRS output.
Adapter included in U.S. models.

Creek

OBH 15

A Photo Of The OBH-15 Phono Pre-Amplifier

MSRP $450.00
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SPECIFICATION

Moving Magnet Moving Coil
Gain 37 dB 56 dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz + 0.25 dB 20Hz – 20kHz+ 0.25 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio -83 dB -75 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.03% < 0.05%
RIAA Deviation + 0.5 dB + 0.5 dB
Output 250 mV 250 mV
Output Impedance < 100 Ω < 100 Ω
Input Sensitivity/Impedance 3.5 mV / 47 kΩ / 220 pF 0.5 mV / 1000 Ω / 3300 pF
Overload Margin 22 dB 20 dB
Mates well with cartridges with 2.5 mV to 5.0 mV output 0.5 mV to 1.0 mV output
Dimensions 150 x 100 x 65 mm 150 x 100 x 65 mm
Weight 360 gms 360 gms
Manufactured in the United Kingdom

OBH 18

A Photo Of The OBH-18 MM Phono Pre-Amplifier

MSRP $250.00
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SPECIFICATION

Moving Magnet
Gain 37 dB
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz + 0.25 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio -83 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion < 0.03%
RIAA Deviation + 0.5 dB
Output 250 mV
Output Impedance < 100 Ω
Input Sensitivity/Impedance 3.5 mV / 47 kΩ / 220 pF
Overload Margin 25 dB
Mates well with cartridges with 2.5 mV to 5.5 mV output
Dimensions 150 x 100 x 65 mm
Weight 360 gms
Manufactured in the United Kingdom

WHEST

DAP 10

MSRP $CALL!
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So…. firstly, we need to realise that whatever the red book says about what happens above 20Khz in CD playback or any digital playback come to think of it DOES NOT apply to the output stage electronics and also assumes ideal conditions. In addition, signals above 20Khz are as important as the audible range when it comes to playback as it is a KNOWN fact that many musical instruments have their ‘signature’ above 20Khz and we are now finding out by the use of wider bandwidth electronics and super-tweeters that content above 20Khz is important for accurate low frequency playback.
The red book says all sorts of things… so why do all CD players sound different!
Why discrete?
As a designer, I do not use integrated chips or operational amps unless I really have to, and usually that is because of cost. It is pretty well known that although ICs can give great distortion, linearity and bandwidth figures, the sound quality/resolution issue is enough to say ‘stay away’. I therefore prefer to design using fully discrete technology. The PS.20 phonostage is a great example of the above.
Back to the DAP.10.
Having worked in the ‘pro’ field for a number of years, both in recording live and in various studios, I am fortunate to have been exposed to the processes that occur before the CD is pressed.
Anyone who has been in a recording studio control room (not a friend’s converted bedroom or barn!) whilst a session is being recorded would have hopefully noticed a few major differences between what they were listening to and what a high quality domestic audio system sounds like.
One major difference is image stability, focus and weight. Some audiophiles may think these factors are irrelevant and not part of the music BUT they are every part of what is on the CD and a system that is lacking in these three elements may has a phase/frequency related problem.
The other is resolution and soundstaging. Again very much part of the recorded material and exists on the playback format and is as important as the music itself for high quality playback.
The majority of domestic high quality CD playback systems DO suffer from a lack of all of the above.
What we at Whest Audio realised about 4 or so years ago was that the CD players we tested all suffered from the same inherent problems: Poor image stability, focus, weight, resolution and soundstaging when compared to proaudio analog magnetic tape playback. We looked at what the CD playback output looked like using ‘single tone bursts’ as well as ‘multiple frequency’ and lastly plain old music.
What we found after much analysis using bespoke software and measuring techniques was that all the players tested (ranging from US$1,000 to US$6,000) exhibited a series of small peaks across a 110Khz bandwidth above 30Khz. These peaks also produced a set of ‘time-shifted’ peaks. These peaks are not music related but seem to be ‘triggered’ with by a full bandwidth signal.
The small time-shift causes minute ripples in the domain above 30Khz, possibly by ‘beat interaction’ which later finds their way down to the ‘audible’ domain. These ‘ripples’ we believe have a profoundly negative effect on CD reproduction. What the DAP.10 does is effectively stop the ripples from occurring, thus cleaning up the audible domain. We selected a few of the peaks and by applying a very small correction we can re-align the time-shifted information . It took quite a few months before we arrived at a selection of peaks that once corrected made a substantial improvement to the audible domain. The reduction in ripple artefact post DAP.10 is quite staggering and can be heard in an overall improvement of CD playback resolution, soundstaging, apparent bandwidth, focus and stability. All DAP.10 owners have commented on the extra low frequency extension and far better separation of instruments in a bigger soundstage.
What causes the problem that the DAP.10 corrects is an unknown at this stage but we are researching in to it. I suppose the majority of high-end audio reproduction is R&D as most designers will say.
Thus DAP.10 does not interfere with the inherent audio quality of the system it is connect to. The systems audio signature isn’t touch in the slightest but what is does do is allow the system to:
1. resolve much more information
2. increase apparent bandwidth at both ends
3. increase soundstage width and depth
4. increase image stability, focus and weight
The DAP.10 will quite happily sit along side a $1500 CD player and allow it to outperform a CD player costing 3 times the price! or connected to a High-End unit making it ultra-high end!

Specification

Model No.:
DAP.10u/n/av
Frequency response:
2Hz - 210Khz -0.5dB /- 2dB
Working band:
33KHz - 195Khz
Technology:
ULN Discrete Quad line-up
THD+N:
0.01%
Gain unity
Connections:
Unbalanced
Connectors:
Gold Audiophile
Unpacked weight:
3Kgs
Packed weight:
4.2Kgs
Dimensions:
2 x 285mm x 107mm x 62mm
Operating voltage:
230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz

WHEST TWO PHONO STAGE

MSRP $1,195.00
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Based entirely on the famed PS.20 the new entry level whestTWO utilizes approx 90% of the former’s electronic design but with a twist, which is about 10% of the MC REF V. Yes, during the design stages of the whestTWO we made a mad decision to incorporate some of the MC REF V ideas, namely it’s hybrid active/passive RIAA filter stage. Unlike other units at this price point that use the standard ‘input-Passive RIAA filter-output’ configuration, the whestTWO uses an identical configuration which was borrowed from the MC REF V and this can also be found in the PS.30R. This new RIAA configuration along with the high-current output stage means the whestTWO can resolve much more information compared to any of its rivals.
With it's tremendously gorgeous top end, it's hard to beat this phono stage for the money.

Whest Two Phonostage Features:

Full Dual-Mono configuration.
2 Box layout with separate multiple voltage and high current power supply.
Ultra low noise input with a frequency response of 1Hz-100KHz.
RIAA curve accuracy to within 0.2dB.
RIAA extension to 50kHz for better definition and ambience.
Hybrid filter configuration.
High current, Class-A discrete output stage.
Fully variable cartridge gain and loading via internal dil switch.

Specification

Model No.:                    whestTWO
RIAA curve accuracy:     18Hz - 22Khz +/- 0.2dB
Frequency response:      5Hz - 50Khz -10dB /- 1.0dB
Working band:               17Hz - 45Khz
THD+N:                        0.01% MM Gain
                                   40dB MC gain
                                   65dB internally adjustable only by dealer .
Connections:                Unbalanced
Connectors:                 Gold Audiophile
Unpacked weight:         1.5Kgs
Packed weight:             2Kgs
Dimensions:                130mm x 210mm x 42mm
                                  350mm x 350mm x 150mm shipping
Operating voltage:        230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz

WHEST TWO PHONO STAGE/4

MSRP $CALL!
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4 channel RIAA module - 1u Broadcast/ Pod caster module
As the name might suggest this is a 4 channel, rack mounted version of the whestTWO aimed at the Pod caster, Radio station and the DJ/Producer.
The advantages of the whestTWO/4 are:
    4 totally matched channels
    Audio performance exceeding current RIAA standards used throughout the pro-audio industry
    Enabling high-end audio performance even at low 128kbs. Perfect for streaming audio over low bit rate devices
    Ultra low noise circuitry for use with high bit rate digital - maximising 120dB dynamic range at 24bits
    Internally configurable for gain and load. MM 40dB or MC 55dB 65dB
    Gain and load can be set to any value prior to leaving the factory
    All internal audio channels are matched to within 1% of each other
    For use with either one or two WPSU (whestTWO power supply) power supply units for higher-end audio performance

WHEST PS.30R MM/MC

Whest PS.30 R MM/MC Phonostage [large view]

MSRP $2,695.00
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Already being hailed as one of the very best phonostages ever, the PS.30R is taking the world by storm. Where the MC REF V uses what the design team call a 'buried discrete' differential input stage to achieve it's ultra low noise 1.2nV sqHz input stage noise level, the PS.30R uses an ultra low noise bipolar 'matched' input stage to achieve it's vanishingly low 1.0nV sqHz input stage noise level. This means that even using an MC cartridge like the Audionote Kondo IO-J with it's ultra low output level of just 0.15mV, is no problem for the PS.30R. At 72dB you'll have all the gain you need with absolutely no noise.

The 'hybrid' passive/active RIAA filter has been lifted directly from the MC REF V and used for it's accuracy and, more importantly, it's transparency. The output stage in the PS.30R was developed for the MC REF V and is used in it's fullest glory in the PS.30R to bring unprecedented levels of detail from the lowest harmonics to the highest levels of the frequency band. And because the output stage is totally discrete in design with an output impedance of only 50ohms at 1Khz driving a 600ohm load, it has no problem in driving long lengths of interconnects even if they are of relatively high capacitance!

The PS.30R also sports a true balanced output which is a first for a phonostage at this price point! If you run either a fully balanced audio system or broadcast studio you won’t be left in the dark. And finally, you get all the quality you expect from a Reference Whest Audio product at a non-Reference price!

Whest PS.30 R MM/MC Phonostage Specifcations:

RIAA curve accuracy:
18Hz - 22Khz +/- 0.2dB
Frequency response:
5Hz - 65Khz -10dB /- 1.0dB
Working band:
15Hz - 85Khz
THD+N:
0.006%
MM Gain
40dB
MC gain
50dB-72dB internally adjustable 6 steps.
Connections:
Silver Unbalanced RCA, Neutrik XLR
impedance balanced
Connectors:
Silver Audiophile
Unpacked weight:
4.5Kgs
Packed weight:
6Kgs
Dimensions:
430mm x 290mm x 78mm
490mm x 350mm x 150mm shipping
Operating voltage:
230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz

WHEST MC REF V DUAL MONO PHONO STAGE

Whest MC REF V Dual Mono Phonostage [large view]

MSRP $12,500.00
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If there was ever a product that could upset the apple cart….this is it! Priced at approx £7000 the MC REF V is a tour de force to be reckoned with.
The all new circuitry developed for the MC REF V Reference phonostage was first started in 2001 and put ‘on hold’ while the PS.20 was under development.
The MC REF V Reference phonostage is a departure from the current way of looking at signal integrity and the power supply’s behaviour on the signal. Where most others will use very exotic components to try to achieve a decent sound, we at Whest Audio have designed, from the ground up, a RIAA playback system using radical audio principles plus some of our own R&D ideas amassed over the years.
The result is extraordinary audio reproduction.
Like the PS.30R, the MC REF V lets you listen to music with extreme amounts of detail without the phonostage getting in the way. PLUS the resolution capability of the MC REF V is about 10 times more than the PS.30R! Instruments come to life like no other phonostage and their images just hang in the soundstage with absolute solidity and with space that brings a whole new dimension to vinyl.
The R&D gained from the MC REF V has already been implemented in the design of the entry level whestTWO and PS.30R phonostages.

Release Date - Feb 2008

     Dual Mono configuration
    2 identical channels
     Impedance Balanced Output Circuitry
    Ultra low noise input stage
    Hybrid RIAA stage
    On-board Whest Designed discrete voltage regulators
    Pre-regulators in high current supply
    2 x Full size case 430mm x 290mm x 80mm