PHOM
Tube Phono Stage with the Passive RIAA Filter
Application
PHOM is a high-end phono preamplifier created for the modern revival of vinyl, where more listeners than ever are rediscovering the emotional depth of analog playback. As turntables return to living rooms, the need for a truly refined phono stage becomes essential, sometimes it’s just you, the record, and a moment that speaks for itself. PHOM is designed for demanding audiophiles who want to extract the full potential from their records, offering full support for both MM and MC cartridges. The MC input is transformer-coupled, ensuring extremely low noise while boosting the delicate signal at the very first stage. In addition, PHOM allows precise system matching through selectable resistor and capacitor ladders, enabling perfect tuning to any cartridge. Every nuance, every subtle groove detail is preserved, nothing lost, nothing forced, just pure analog truth.
Vinyl Reborn, Perfectly Amplified.
Construction
PHOM is built as a two-stage tube amplifier using carefully selected NOS military-grade tubes. Each stage operates in a cascode configuration, providing high gain with excellent linearity and low noise. Between the stages, a fully passive RIAA equalization network is implemented, offering superior accuracy and transparency compared to feedback-based designs. This approach preserves signal integrity and avoids the artifacts often associated with active equalization. The RIAA network itself utilizes premium Paper in Oil capacitors, contributing to a natural and fluid sonic character. The power supply section features a tube rectifier GZ34 along with a large choke for effective voltage smoothing. The use of a tube rectifier not only enhances musicality but also provides a soft-start behavior, extending tube life and ensuring stable operation.
Precision Circuits, Pure Analog Truth.
External Appearance
PHOM is housed in an elegant enclosure made from 3 mm CNC-machined aluminum, with dimensions of 380 × 290 mm. The front panel follows a minimalist philosophy, featuring subtle, finely printed labeling and a single small LED indicator placed at the center, signaling the presence of power. The rear panel provides RCA connectors for both turntable and amplifier connections, along with an MM/MC switch, grounding terminal, and power inlet. The top panel incorporates ventilation openings to ensure proper heat dissipation, as well as a CNC-cut PHOM logo that emphasizes the product’s refined and purposeful design. Every detail reflects careful consideration and a commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.
Minimal Form, Maximum Presence.
Technical Specifications
PHOM delivers a gain exceeding 60 dB, making it fully suitable for any MM cartridge, and up to 80 dB for MC cartridges, placing it among the most capable phono stages in its class. The unit offers adjustable resistive loading for MC cartridges ranging from 56 Ω to 1000 Ω, as well as capacitive loading for MM cartridges from 22 pF to 290 pF. The amplification stage is based on a hand-selected quartet of 6N1P-EV tubes, ensuring consistency and low noise. The passive RIAA network incorporates NOS Paper in Oil capacitors, Silver Mica, and Mundorf EVO components for optimal sonic performance. The unit is powered by a heavily oversized transformer supplied by UTM Industry, while the GZ34 tube rectifier and choke-filtered power supply ensure stability and musicality. The entire design results in a robust device weighing 9 kg.
Engineered for Absolute Analog Fidelity.
Fully tube, all-analog signal path
Passive RIAA equalization
Designed without global negative feedback
Output level: 0.775 V RMS (2Vpp)
Maximum gain: 62 dB
MM / MC cartridge selection switch
Transformer-coupled input for MC cartridges
Selectable resistive loading for MC cartridges
16-step MC resistive loading: 56 Ω – 1000 kΩ
Selectable input capacitance for MM cartridges
16-step MM capacitive loading: 22 pF – 390 pF
Hand-selected matched quartet of NOS 6N1P-EV tubes (military-grade stock)
Audio-grade capacitors: NOS Paper-in-Oil, Silver Mica, Mundorf EVO
GZ34 tube dual-diode rectified linear power supply
Hand-wound audio transformers and power supply choke
Turntable ground connection
Power consumption: 55 W
Package dimensions: 55 × 45 × 20 cm
Shipping weight: 11 kg
Designed and manufactured in Poland