Zesto Audio Announces Andros Spirit Tube Phonostage
All Image Credit: Zesto Audio
Zesto Audio is based out of Thousand Oaks, CA, and are well respected for their line of audiophile phono amplifiers. The company founder, President and Chief Design Engineer George Counnas launched the original PS1 Phonostage in 2010. According to George, “I designed the Spirit so it would retain only the essential features of its predecessors, while still offering the Zesto Audio signature sound”, even at this lower price point.
The Andros Spirit arrives in a new full-size 16-gauge zinc plated steel enclosure, which is said to provide better grounding and isolate electronic noise and interference from nearby equipment. The 100% tube design uses four ECC83S/12AX7 dual triodes, with its dual mono design ensuring excellent stereo separation. Two versions are available; either MM only or MM/MC with the MM version being easily upgradeable to MM/MC. High-quality built-in MC step-up transformers are used for better phase linearity, with on-the-fly selectable loading of 100, 250 and 500 ohms being applied using the secondary of the transformer.
The power supply uses two robust toroidal transformers to provide the 300 volt and 12 volt supplies. It is referred to as an Energy Source Power Supply (ESP) as its design is said to be capable of anticipating the dynamic power demands of the music.
Rear panel signal connectivity includes; unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs together with a suitable ground terminal. MM/MC selection and MC loading is selectable using the small toggle switches.
Finally, one day you will need to change the tired tubes. In order to ensure that the user doesn’t receive any electrical shocks the Spirit includes a unique safety switch that ensures all high voltage gets discharged.
Features At A Glance:
- Available in 2 versions MM only or MM/MC
- Standard MM unit is easily upgradeable to MM/MC
- 100% Analog tube circuitry without any solid-state devices in the signal path, because tubes are inherently more musical.
- The tube complement is a quad of 12AX7s, which provides sufficient gain with minimal noise.
- Safety switch to discharge the high voltage for your added safety when changing tubes.
- Robust, built-in ESP toroidal power supply for better dynamic range and lower noise.
- The high-quality built-in MC step-up transformers are designed for better phase linearity. This translates to better stereo imaging.
- Three of the most popular loading positions are 100, 250 & 500 so you can dial in the best match for your cartridge. – Easily adjustable MC “Load on the fly” without clicks or pops so you can hear the change.
- All MC loading is on the secondary of the MC step-up transformer. This allows all the delicate signal from the cartridge to pass through to the main circuits for the most musical detail.
- Dual mono circuit which creates better stereo separation
- All switches and knobs are easily accessible, with nothing hidden inside to adjust.
- Full size 17″ x 12″ elegantly designed 16-gauge steel enclosure for better grounding and to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment.
- Illuminated tubes for a more sensual musical experience.
- Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA.”
- 50-hour factory burn-in on all circuits and vacuum tubes.
Specifications:
- Performance:
- Gain MM input 44dB
- Gain MC input 64dB
- Noise – 65dBv below max output level
- Frequency response complies with the original RIAA curve within + or- 0.5 dB
- RIAA curve is achieved using a passive filter
- 1% metal film resistors throughout
- Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path
- Inputs per channel:
- One input for MM or MC
- MM/MC switch
- MM impedance switch 47K Ohms
- MM capacitance 200pf
- MC single-ended RCA input
- 3 position MC load impedance adjustable 500, 250, 100 Ohms
- MC Internal step-up transformers
- Ground binding post
- Outputs per channel:
- Impedance 10K ohms
- +7 Volts max output level
- Active Components: Four standard JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes with high-quality gold pin ceramic sockets
- Power:
- Internal power supplies using Toroidal transformers, 1 high voltage 300V, and 1 low voltage 12V
- Power consumption 26.5W, 0 drain when off
- Voltage 100V to 120V AC 60Hz
- Optional factory installed 220V to 240V AC 50/60Hz
- Standard 3-pin IEC power connector
- ON/OFF power switch located on the IEC mains power connector
- 0.5 Amp Slow Blow fuse is located in the IEC mains power connector
- Other Features:
- “Made in the USA” using US and imported parts
- Each unit is built by hand
- 50-hour factory burn-in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
- Dimensions 17″ W X 12″ D X 3.5″ H
- Weight 14.5 lbs.
- 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
- Two-year limited warranty
- Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes
MSRP:
- US:
- MM version: $2,997.00
- MM/MC version: $3,997.00
For more information visit the Zesto Audio web site.
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