Analog Gear News

Audio Technica's new AT-LP60XBT-USB (SRP: $179) is a fully automatic belt drive turntable that supports wireless Qualcomm Bluetooth aptX codec, plus USB and standard analog connectivity. It also includes an Audio-Technica cartridge and built in phono preamp.

Pro-Ject just announced a pair of low cost MM/MC phono preamps and a pair of sophisticated "record cleaning arms" and in the press release re-launched the $1999 Phono Box RS2.

Norway-based Hegel Music Systems just announced the February 2021 release of the V10, the company's first MM/MC phono preamplifier, though chief designer Bent Holter says he's been "tinkering" with phono preamp designs since the mid 1990s.

The 3rd generation Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC, according to the designer, "...maintains the superb sonic performance of the original, while cleverly cutting costs via technological advancements.

Pro-Ject just announced the release of its newest and most sophisticated phono preamp, the RS2. The no op-amp, "hand made" design built in the E.U. is fully balanced and true dual mono. The RS2 features MM gain of 40,43,46 and 50dB and MC gain of 60,63,66 and 70dB with continuously variable MC input impedance from between 10 and 1000 ohms. Capacitance for MM can be set to values between 50 and 400pF.

STOW, OH, October 20, 2020 -- Audio-Technica today announced the introduction of its AT-PEQ30 MM/MC phono preamp. The new phono preamp provides either 35dB (MM) or 59dB (MC) fixed gain, and 47kOhm (MM) and 120 ohm (MC) loading.

Japanese chemist Kikunae Ikeda-san officially coined the term "Umami" in 1908, defining it as a very pleasing or delicious flavor on the palette, a synergistic effect resulting in higher taste intensity.

From the Musical Surroundings press release:

"When Hana decided to create a high-end cartridge, Master cartridge designer Masao Okada-san applied the concept of Umami combining brilliant materials and classic Japanese techniques with modern audio engineering."