Phasemation EA-320 Phono Amplifier

Description

Phasemation EA-320 Phono Amplifier

Product Outline and Concept

Having in mind that “analogs too have a lot more to go,” we expanded the numerous product line-ups and phono amplifiers due to non-feedback circuits for lovers of analog discs.

We are pleased to announce the release of the EA-320, a middle-class semiconductor phono amplifier that incorporates the essence of our advanced models, with refined circuitry to further refine the sound quality and functionality.

Phasemation EA-320 Owner’s Manual

Received Prizes

Ongen Publishing Analog Grand Prix
Seibundo Shinkosha 2021 MJ Technology of the Year Analog Components Honorable Mention
Ongaku No Tomo Sha Corp. STEREO Magazine Best Buy Components 2021 Phono Equalizer between ¥100,000 to ¥500,000 1st Place
Ongaku No Tomo Sha Corp. STEREO Magazine Best Buy Components 2022 Phono Equalizer between ¥100,000 to ¥500,000 1st Place Year Compo
Ongaku No Tomo Sha Corp. STEREO Magazine Best Buy Components 2023 Phono Equalizer between ¥100,000 to ¥500,000 1st Place Year Compo

Features

A 10mm thick aluminum material is used on the front panel and the chassis is elegant and strong and it is structured following the designs of EA550 and EA350.

We adopted a strong housing structure composed of a 10mm thick slant aluminum panel for the front, a 1.2mm thick steel plate chassis base, and a 1.2mm thick steel plate cover, which preserves rigidity. A heavy-weight metal insulator that blocks external vibrations is used for the feet.

V-I / I-V conversion type full-stage symmetrical non-feedback amplifier circuit due to all discreet parts

Both semiconductor and vacuum tube amplifiers are typically negative feedback amplifiers, which constantly compare input and output signals to amplify differences with high precision. However, this process introduces a time delay between input and output signals, leading to TIM distortion and reducing sound satisfaction.

Phasemation’s amplifiers, both semiconductor and vacuum tube, utilize non-feedback amplifiers. This design eliminates the need for amending operations like those in negative feedback amplifiers, requiring high precision and technology. As a result, the sound source (record) is played in its entirety, providing excellent inspiration, dynamics, and detailed expressions.

Prolific Features

• 2 input terminals equipped with MM/MC switching capability.
• Non-feedback type low cut filter of CR2 step is included.
• Plays warped phonograph records without music deterioration and prevents speaker (woofer) shaking.
• Three types of playing curve changeover switches are available.
• Equalizer characteristics include RIAA, Mono1 (for DECCA labels), and Mono2 (for Columbia labels), providing higher fidelity playback.
• A “degaussed” circuit is included. Selecting “degauss” with the input and playing a record for about 30 seconds will degauss a magnetized MC cartridge, improving sound quality.

Adoption of Parts Having High Sound Quality

1. On the Signals

• A 1% grade metal film resistor with marginal rated capacity and high-quality parts like Micar capacitors with silvered Micar plates for dielectrics are used in the RIAA elements, which significantly influence the phono amp’s sound quality (for selecting STEREO on playback curve).
• ELNA’s SILMIC electrolytic capacitors for sound quality and 1% grade metal film resistors are used on the signals.

2. On the Power Circuits

• Adopts Rohm’s SiC diodes known for low switching noise and high sound quality.
• Uses a large-room electrolytic capacitor with high audio grade metal-plated terminals and Nichicon’s low resistance electrode foil for the commutating capacitor. The decoupling capacitor is an ELNA SILMIC II.
• Low noise zener diodes and shunt regulators (excluding feedback circuits) are used to create a fast and extremely low noise power circuit.
• The power transformer uses a low leakage flux transformer with an R-core.