Andover Audio Launches SpinStage Phono Preamp

North Andover, MA — November 2022 — Andover Audio is pleased to announce the launch of its new SoundBites Series with the first model, the SpinStage phono preamp (MSRP $249). Making an elegant style statement in a striking clear finish of bead-blasted, anodized aluminum, the SpinStage has been painstakingly engineered to deliver ultra-low noise to support virtually any moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC) cartridge. It’s a great addition to a system that lacks a phono input, or one that needs to add MC compatibility—or simply to improve on an existing preamp’s internal circuitry.

“We created the SoundBites Series to give our customers a gateway to a component system with a strong ratio of performance to price. The SpinStage delivers the flexibility and the sophisticated, nuanced performance of expensive phono stages at a very reasonable price. A sensible upgrade to the rudimentary preamp stages built into turntables or receivers, the SpinStage brings out the best of what the cartridge can deliver. For added value, the SpinStage will easily be a long-term solution, even as upgrades are made to the cartridges. And, finally, its classic styling is timeless.”

— Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering, Andover Audio

The SpinStage has two key features not commonly found in budget phono preamplifiers. First, by adding a separate MC gain stage with ultra-low-noise discrete transistors in a type of transconductance topology usually found only in more expensive designs, the SpinStage benefits from providing the necessary gain without added noise. Second, the addition of an Auxiliary input restores the input used by the SpinStage when it’s connected to an amplifier that has only a few inputs. For example, a system that includes a CD player or other device may need the input used by the SpinStage.

Accuracy matters

Phono-cartridge resistive and capacitive loading optimize the SpinStage’s high-frequency performance with any MM cartridge, while its ultra-high-precision resistors and capacitors deliver RIAA response typically accurate within ±0.2dB.

Selectable Subsonic Filter

The SpinStage’s selectable subsonic filter reduces the ultra-low-frequency noise of turntable rumble that can cause excess woofer pumping and waste amplifier power.

Isolated Dual-Mono Circuitry

Each channel’s signal path is completely separate from the other channels, with no signal crosstalk between channels. Maximizing separation results in solid aural images and precisely reproduced soundstages.

DC Servo Circuit

All electronic parts, even expensive ones, have some intrinsic inaccuracy. This is why all capacitors have been eliminated from the SpinStage’s direct signal path. Omitting these capacitors entirely eliminates their contribution to distortion, while the servo circuit prevents unhealthy DC voltage from being passed along to other components.

Bead-Blasted Aluminum Shell

The exterior of the SpinStage not only looks good, its metal enclosure and the metal shielding behind its front and back panels protect the circuitry from electrical interference.

Andover Audio’s SpinStage Series phono preamplifier is now available. Buy directly at www.andoveraudio.com or a participating dealer.

For added assurance, Andover Audio offers a 60-day home trial and free shipping/returns so that customers can audition the SpinStage in their own listening environments.

• RIAA Equalization Accuracy: ±0.1dB typ., 0.2dB max
• Overall Frequency Response: 0.5Hz–50kHz, ±1dB
• Signal/Noise Ratio (unweighted): MM, 78dB; MC, 76dB (referenced to 50 ohm source)
• Input Impedance, MM (selectable): 8k ohm, 22k ohm, 47k ohm, 100k ohm
• Input Impedance, MC (effective): 0 ohm
• Input Capacitance, MM (selectable): 0pF, 22pF, 47pF, 69pF, 100pF, 122pF, 147pF, 169pF, 220pF, 242pF, 267pF, 289pF, 320pF, 342pF, 389pF
• Nominal Gain, MM: 40.5dB
• Nominal Gain, MC: 66.5dB (with 10 ohm source)
• Subsonic Filter: 20Hz, 12db/octave, bypassable
• Typical Output Level: 500mV RMS
• Max Output Level: 8V RMS
• Input Overload, MM: 120mV @ 1kHz
• Input Overload, MC: 6mV @ 1kHz
• Aux Input: Direct passthrough via relay, no active circuitry
• Power Requirements: 15vDC/500mA
• Dimensions: 7 1⁄4″ W × 1 7⁄8″ H × 4 1⁄2″ D
• Weight: 1.1 lbs (500g)
• Finish: Fine bead-blasted clear anodized aluminum