Edwards Audio MC6 Phono Preamp – Quick Look

All Image Credit: Edwards Audio

Edwards Audio of the UK have just released the MC6 high-performance MM/MC phono stage. It is designed and manufactured in the UK by TALK Electronics, and is said to deliver, “exceptional musical insight, dynamics and ultra-low noise”. The MC6 is a one-box solution with an internal low-noise linear power supply, dedicated MM and MC stages, and an RIAA equalisation circuit using passive treble and active bass topologies. The use of a bespoke internal power supply is claimed to avoid “compromises of external PSU’s” and help deliver a low noise floor. The model comes in a black non-magnetic all-aluminium enclosure.

The input stage uses a pseudo-symmetrical FET input stage optimised for grounding and noise rejection that is combined with a fully discrete, low-impedance Class A output stage. Central to the design is the RIAA EQ circuit that employs passive treble and active bass topologies. RIAA accuracy is specified to be better than ±0.25dB between 20Hz and 20kHz, which is said to “help in preserving timing, tonal balance, and musical flow”.

The MC6 features separate, optimized signal paths for moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, which are selectable via a rear-panel switch. Cartridge loading and gain comes standard at 42dB/47Kohm for MM and 62dB/100ohms for MC. Internal DIP sections provide options for different loadings, allowing precise matching for a wide range of cartridges. Input selection is indicated by its back-lit acrylic front-panel logo showing red illumination for MM operation, and blue for MC.

Rear panel connectivity supports 1 x RCA stereo input and 1 x RCA stereo output.