Vertere launches PHONO-1 LX MC/MM phono preamplifier

Vertere introduced the PHONO-1 LX on 26 June 2026 as an MC/MM phono preamplifier. The model was available to order at launch, with UK shipping set for July 2026 and worldwide shipping from August 2026. US pricing is $2,399, with UK and German pricing also appearing at £1,650 and €1,998.

Georg S. Kuklick

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Jun 26, 2026

Vertere introduced the PHONO-1 LX on 26 June 2026 as an MC/MM phono preamplifier. The model was available to order at launch, with shipping to the UK scheduled for July 2026 and worldwide shipping from August 2026. US pricing is $2,399, while UK and German pricing appears at £1,650 and €1,998.

The PHONO-1 LX follows the Phono-1 platform's MkII upgrade in 2019 and L upgrade in 2022. Its development story is linked to Vertere's CALON dual-mono phono preamplifier, which was unveiled at High End Munich 2024. The new model uses an upgraded gold-plated PCB and an upgraded internal DC power supply.

The power-supply changes include a specialised inductor on the AC input and a second inductor on the post-transformer output. The PHONO-1 LX also adds a two-way phono amplifier earthing switch, a blue-green power indicator LED, and a new chassis and cover. Gain runs from 40 dB to 63 dB, and the high-gain version adds 6.4 dB to all gain settings.

Cartridge matching covers MM and MC use, with 15 resistance values and 9 capacitance options. The specified frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.2 dB, and THD+N is rated at 0.009% at 1 V. The chassis measures 210 mm wide by 240 mm deep by 55 mm high and weighs 2.20 kg.

Finish options are Anodised Vertere Orange, Silver, Black, and Black Acrylic DG Style for the front panel. The PHONO-1 LX is scheduled to ship worldwide from August 2026.

Key specifications

Type	MC/MM preamplifier
PCB	Precision components; gold-plated PCB
Power supply	Linear, internally switchable; ultra-low-noise encapsulated transformer
Gain settings	40 dB to 63 dB in 12 steps; high-gain version adds 6.4 dB to all settings
Input resistance	47 kΩ for MM; 78 Ω to 47 kΩ for MC in 14 steps
Input capacitance	100 pF and 430 pF for MM; 100 pF to 1.02 µF for MC in 9 steps
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.2 dB
Noise	<-78 dB AWD
THD+N	0.009% at 1 V
Finishes	Anodised Vertere Orange, Silver, Black, and Black Acrylic DG Style front-panel options
Idle power consumption	1.7 W
Dimensions	210 × 240 × 55 mm, W × D × H including switches and feet