Icon Audio PS3 MkII Phono Pre-Amplifier

Icon Audio PS3 MkII Phono Pre-Amplifier

Following on from Icon Audio's acclaimed PS1 phono stage which won “5 Globes” in Hi Fi World (03/2008) for its excellent sound quality, they have pushed the boundaries of valve technology even further with the new PS3 model. To do this they have used all their expertise and experience to create a “no expense spared” phono stage which addresses all the weaknesses of more conventional designs but still retaining our “All Valve” philosophy. And amazing value!

Special amplification needs a special power supply. Icon Audio started with a large, oversized power transformer and a full wave valve EZ80 rectifier followed by two large chokes for ultra-smooth power. This is then regulated by a low resistance 5687 valve controlled by an ECC83 for the very accurate voltage necessary for exceptional purity and performance. The pre-amp unit uses the “cascode effect” of using two valves together in a special way to obtain high gain with low noise this gives exceptional definition and sound staging whilst keeping the vivid colour and warmth that the PS1 phono stage is famous for. With two inputs and a moving coil option using Icon Audio's own “hand wound” moving coil transformers. The output is handled by the venerable 6SN7. Introduced in 1941, probably the most luxurious sounding hi fi valve ever, with so many old and new version.

Specifications & Features

- Built in volume control, will drive most power amps
- Max output 50 volts for massive headroom.
- Two turntable inputs 1xMM 1xMC/MM
- Signal to noise ratio -88db MM unweighted
- Stereo/mono switch for better S/N and distortion from mono and worn stereo records
- Valve rectified power supply
- Valve regulated power supply
- Twin Choke for exceptional smoothing
- Separate Power supply for lower noise
- Comprehensive manual supplied with tube change info
- All hand wired point to point
- No printed circuit board to ‘colour’ sound
- Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot.
- All Triode valves  
- 4x ECC88 1x 6SN7 (pre-amp)
- 1x EZ80 1x ECC83 1x 5687 (power supply)
- Sensitivity: 3mv for 1.26v output (0.3mv MC)@
- Gain MM 53db MC 72db
- Load: imp: 47k MM, 100 ohms MC
- Output source impedance 50 ohms
- RIAA Freq response 20hz-20khz +0 – 0.5db
- NO feedback used, Passive RIAA  
- Low noise oversized 2w metal film resistors
- Blue LED mains indicator
- Polypropylene audio capacitors
- Silver PTFE audio cable
- DC supply for valve heaters
- Heater circuit floated to minimise heater-cathode noise
- Polished stainless steel chassis
- 6mm solid alloy front & rear plates
- Gold plated Input terminals