Ayre PX-8 Phono Preamplifier

Years in development, the Ayre PX-8 combines uncompromising analog fidelity with modern digital versatility. Built on Ayre’s iconic fully balanced, discrete, zero-feedback circuitry, the PX-8 delivers an exceptionally low noise floor and dynamic detail, making it the definitive command centre for serious vinyl enthusiasts. Key Features Front-Panel Load & Gain Adjustment: Change settings on the fly directly from the front display—no chassis disassembly, jumpers, or microscopic dip switches required. Dual Independent Analog Inputs: Dedicated balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections with completely independent gain and load profiles for effortless dual-tonearm setups. Ayre Zero-Feedback Architecture: Fully balanced, discrete circuitry preserves natural timing and detail while eliminating background noise. Optional DS Audio Optical Support: Native compatibility with DS Audio optical cartridges unlocks unprecedented speed, clarity, and stereo separation. Optional High-Res A/D Archival Output: Digitise your record collection with pristine precision via USB, Coaxial (SPDIF), and TOSLINK optical outputs. Effortless Fine-Tuning The PX-8 transforms how you interact with your cartridge collection. Designed for tonearm and cartridge connoisseurs, both analog inputs feature independent gain and loading controls accessible right from the front panel. Dial in exact parameters for two different cartridges instantly, without ever reaching for a tool or opening the box. Signature Ayre Engineering At the heart of the PX-8 lies Ayre’s classic audio philosophy: a zero-feedback, fully balanced, discrete circuit path. By avoiding global feedback and keeping signal pathways entirely balanced, the PX-8 uncovers delicate micro-details and acoustic space previously buried in the groove, driving noise down to imperceptible levels. Modular Configurations Tailor the PX-8 to your exact vinyl ecosystem with optional factory-installed modules: DS Audio Optical Cartridge Input: A third dedicated input channel designed specifically to power and process DS Audio’s optical cartridges. Combined with Ayre’s zero-feedback topology, this option achieves groundbreaking transient response and ultra-quiet backgrounds. Archival Analog-to-Digital (A/D) Output Board: Archive your vinyl collection in master-quality digital format. Features high-resolution USB, Coaxial, and TOSLINK optical outputs. When fitted with both optional modules, the PX-8 becomes the industry's first single-chassis solution capable of digitizing DS Audio optical cartridge playback.

Michell Apollo Phono Stage

For discerning audiophiles, the true allure of vinyl lies in the richness and warmth of analogue sound. To fully appreciate every detail and nuance, the right equipment is essential. While a premium turntable, tonearm, and cartridge are vital, the quality of your phono stage is what ensures the integrity of the music.  Crafted in the UK and meticulously designed by the Michell Audio team, the Apollo incorporates cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding audio performance with any turntable and cartridge. This two-box design is engineered to minimise unwanted RF noise, as such interference is the most damaging external factor to the delicate circuits of a phono stage, ensuring pristine audio reproduction. Key Features: The inbuilt power supply circuitry works in harmony with the MUSE power supply to further refine and regulate the DC power High-Quality class A preamplifiers ensure precise signal handling Passive RIAA Circuit Class A Gain Stages Customisable loading and gain settings. MUSE uses a high-quality low noise toroidal transformer, advanced capacitance multiplier technology and very high-quality voltage regulators, to reduce ripple and noise, delivering two highly filtered and regulated DC outputs. Dual Filtration: It works in harmony with APOLLO's internal power supply for superior filtering and regulation. Noise Isolation: By housing the transformer separately in MUSE, any noise generation is isolated from the amplification circuits.

Rega Fono MM MK5 Moving Magnet Phono Stage

The Rega Fono MM MK5 is widely regarded as the best phono stage under £250, and for good reason. At HifiSound, we’ve found it to be the essential 'missing link' for owners of the Rega Planar 2 or Planar 3 who want to unlock the full dynamic range of their moving magnet cartridges. While many integrated amplifiers include a built-in phono input, the MK5’s dedicated, fully discrete circuit design significantly lowers the noise floor and provides the 'warm yet punchy' signature sound that Rega is famous for. Whether you are upgrading your current vinyl setup or building a new high-fidelity system from scratch, this award-winning preamplifier offers a massive leap in clarity and timing that internal stages simply cannot match. It is the latest iteration of a design that has dominated the industry, consistently earning the What Hi-Fi? "Product of the Year" award for nearly a decade (2017–2024). The Fono MM MK5 is designed strictly for Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges. If you are using a high-performance Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, such as the Rega Ania, you will require the Rega Fono MC MK4 to provide the necessary gain and loading. Key Features: Dedicated Moving Magnet stage Simple connectivity and operation Custom case design Two stage RIAA Equalisation What Hi-Fi? Award winner 2017-2024 Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects