Icon Audio PS1 MkII Phono Pre-Amplifier

Introduced in 2005 the PS1 has proved to be one Icon Audio's our best sellers. This model has had many excellent reviews in the worlds Hi Fi press.

New for the MkII model are new cosmetics, and improved power supply and the compatibility with Icon's new MC transformers.

It is well know that valves can sound much better than transistors, this is especially so with LP reproduction. Mainly because:

• The massive overload of valves prevents distortion on highly modulated or worn LPs therefore reducing noise.
• The 'warm' sound of valves is well suited to the reproduction of analogue music from LP.
• The huge 40db RIAA difference between 20 Hz and 20 kHz is easier for valves than transistors.
• Icon Audio's 'passive' design uses no 'feedback'

The simple design uses 'hi fi' components

Icon use 'hand wired' 'point to point' wiring with no printed circuit board. It is essential that that these precious few microvolts of signal from the pickup cartridge go straight in to the valve without any switches or coupling capacitor in the way to add sonic impurities.

The PS1 story from David Shaw Icons founder: "I designed the PS1 for maximum musical detail, but without exaggerating the imperfections through wear or older records. Valves are much more tolerant to overload and distortion, they recover quicker and distort less than transistors. Therefore valves will deal with the huge transient spikes present in imperfect LPs better than transistors. This gives a much more pleasing sound." 

Icon Audio like the sound of "moving coil" pickups and produced our own special 10x step up transformers. They have also designed the PS1 to have a higher than normal output, so it is possible to connect directly to power amplifiers without a pre-amplifier. It is fitted with a volume control. This gives a very pure sound quality.

Icon remarkable long published record still stands (in September 2013) that no PS1 has been returned to them as 'unsuitable' despite the thousands sold.

Specifications and Features:

• Built in volume control, suitable for most power amplifiers
• Stereo/mono switch for lower noise from mono LPs
• Choke power supply
• Separate Power supply for lower noise
• Comprehensive manual supplied
• All hand wired point to point
• No printed circuit board to spoil the sound
• Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot
• All Triode valves 3x ECC83
• 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
• Signal to noise level -75db (MM)
• RIAA Freq response 20hz-20khz +0 – 1db
• NO global feedback used
• High quality resistors
• Hi Fi quality audio capacitors
• Silver PTFE audio cable
• Gold plated Input/output terminals
• 220/240volts (also 115v), 50watts
• C E. Conforms to ROHS and WEEE
• Pre-amp 170mmW, 265mmD, 105mmH , 2.87kg
• PSU 120mmW, 235mmD 160mmH 3.9kg
• Shipping size/weight 40cm x 35cm x 28cm  9kg

(Specifications subject to change, errors & omissions exc

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 2pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is recieved. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK ORDERS:  We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail recorded delivery or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as Interlink Express, DPD, UPS or DHL. 

INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: We offer competitive rates which can be confirmed by email. Please just ask – we will need a full delivery address and telephone number. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using DPD, DHL or UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Turntableworld or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties do not apply for shipments into any EU country (for a full list please refer to the EU Country List). Customs duties can apply for countries outside of the EU. Customers in these countries are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

COLLECT IN STORE OR HOME INSTALL:At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.