FiiO DARKSIDE PRO: Premium Linear Power Supply for Audiophile Gear
Experience pure, stable power with the FiiO DARKSIDE PRO linear power supply designed for sensitive Hi-Fi components.
Experience the core musical excellence of MoFi’s flagship phono stage in a simpler, budget-friendly MM/MC phono preamplifier.
A Simpler Path to Analog Excellence
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the warm, textured sound of vinyl. For decades, Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab—MoFi Electronics’ parent company—has been synonymous with high-end analog mastering, a craft they’ve perfected for over 40 years. Their expertise naturally spilled over into creating hi-fi components that capture the same attention to sonic detail. The MoFi UltraPhono Pro emerges as a streamlined alternative to their flagship MasterPhono phono preamplifier, aimed at vinyl enthusiasts craving that authentic MoFi sound without breaking the bank.
The UltraPhono Pro packs the essential qualities that have earned MasterPhono its stellar reputation. Stripped of some of the more elaborate bells and whistles, including multiple inputs and those charming “arrow” indicators, this model instead focuses on delivering pure, high-fidelity audio in a sleek, single-input design.
Designed by Industry Veteran Peter Madnick
Behind the UltraPhono Pro’s circuitry is Peter Madnick, a seasoned pro in the audio industry with a sharp ear for quality. This MM/MC phono preamp boasts the same ultra-low noise circuitry and premium components found in the MasterPhono, directly channeling MoFi’s “performance DNA” into a more accessible price point.
The mission? Simple but ambitious: deliver the key musical traits—accuracy, flexibility, and an engaging sound—that vinyl lovers cherish, all while keeping complexity and cost in check.
Impressive Performance Specs for a Streamlined Unit
Don’t let its pared-down design fool you. The UltraPhono Pro pumps out up to 71 dB of gain and maintains a wide frequency response stretching from a deep 10 Hz bass all the way up to a shimmering 50 kHz treble (±0.2 dB). The precision of its RIAA equalization is particularly noteworthy, with an accuracy tolerance of just ±0.05 dB. Thanks to its ultra-low noise floor, the music emerges against a calm, virtually silent backdrop—exactly how vinyl playback should sound.
User-Friendly Controls with Pro-Level Flexibility
The front panel is thoughtfully designed to grant users easy access to essential features:
- Mono mode for single-channel vinyl or troubleshooting
- Mute function to silence output instantly
- Subsonic filter to tackle unwanted ultra-low frequency rumble
- Adjustable brightness for the panel backlight, perfect for creating the right vibe in your listening room
Tuning the UltraPhono Pro to your cartridge is a breeze, with multiple settings tailored for moving coil (MC) cartridges and selectable gain levels for both unbalanced and balanced outputs. This flexibility ensures it can handle a broad range of analog setups.
The UltraPhono Pro retails at approximately $2,495 USD, presenting a cost-effective entry into MoFi’s world-class analog gear. By comparison, the flagship MasterPhono commands a steep $5,995 USD. The release date for the UltraPhono Pro is yet to be announced.
Key Features & Technical Highlights
Let’s break down the UltraPhono Pro’s architecture and specs, spotlighting what sets it apart in the phono preamp arena:
- Single input architecture rooted in the solutions of the MasterPhono flagship
- Fully discrete input and output stages built with high-quality J-FET and MOSFET transistors, ensuring low noise and high fidelity
- Fully balanced signal path for superior noise rejection and sound purity
- Passive RIAA equalization network without feedback, preserving the integrity of the vinyl signal
- Seven-stage stabilized balanced power supply, providing clean and consistent power delivery
Precision Settings for Optimal Sound
The UltraPhono Pro offers several cartridge loading options, all easily toggled via sealed “gold-to-gold” relays on the front panel:
- Five selectable impedance values: 100 Ω, 300 Ω, 500 Ω, 1 kΩ, and 47 kΩ
- Gain settings of 40 dB, 52 dB, and 65 dB, with an additional +6 dB boost available when using XLR balanced outputs
- Critical resistors with tight tolerances of 0.1% or 0.5%, ensuring accurate signal handling
The RIAA network itself employs premium polypropylene film/foil capacitors with matching better than 1%, and all critical components are thermally linked to minimize drift caused by temperature variations.
Quiet, Clean Playback Worth Noting
Signal-to-noise ratios are impressive: 93 dB for MM cartridges and 85 dB for MC cartridges, both A-weighted. This means your music plays on a stable and quiet canvas, allowing the nuanced textures of vinyl to shine through without distraction.
Wrapping It Up
If you’ve ever wished for a piece of MoFi’s masterful analog sound but felt the flagship price was too steep, the UltraPhono Pro might just be the golden ticket. It distills much of the MasterPhono’s sonic magic into a more straightforward, wallet-friendly package, all while keeping the heart and soul of analog vinyl playback alive.
Would this accessible powerhouse become the centerpiece of your vinyl rig? Only one way to find out.
FAQ
- What type of cartridges does the MoFi UltraPhono Pro support?
It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with flexible loading and gain options tailored for each. - How does the UltraPhono Pro compare to the MasterPhono?
While it features fewer inputs and lacks some advanced controls, it shares the same low-noise circuit design and core sonic qualities, offering a more affordable path to MoFi’s sound. - Is the RIAA equalization accurate on this phono preamp?
Yes, the passive RIAA network is precise within ±0.05 dB, ensuring faithful vinyl reproduction. - Does it support balanced outputs?
Absolutely. It has both unbalanced and balanced (XLR) outputs, with gain adjustments available for each. - When will the UltraPhono Pro be available?
The release date is not yet announced, but anticipation is high for this promising addition.
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