Sutherland TZ Vibe Phono Preamplifier Review.

Hello, Moving Coil? Transimpedance Calling.

Sutherland’s newest, most affordable transimpedance phono preamplifier is out to impress. Featuring a refined, trickle-down design…it’s all about that delicious rhythm and flow.

As described by Sutherland, the TZ Vibe is a result of “design-splicing.” In other words, the TZ Vibe includes parts and a design adapted and trickled down from other models in Sutherland’s renowned phono preamp lineup. Specifically, the transimpedance input stage is taken from the Little Loco Mk.2 ($3,800), and the foundation and the second gain stage are taken from the KC Vibe ($900). Here, $1,400 gets you in the door.

Sutherland has eight phono preamps in its current lineup, ranging from $900 to $8,500. Four of its models showcase their transimpedance design. The four transimpedance models range from $1,400 to $8,500, including Sutherland’s dragon slayer, the TZ Direct. While there are other transimpedance phono preamps on the market, it is, at this point, a relatively uncommon design. According to the man himself, the design goal here was very specific—optimize the very low-level current signals generated by moving coil cartridges.

In essence, a transimpedance circuit converts current from the cartridge into voltage, meaning it is the current generated by the cartridge, rather than the voltage, that conveys the musical information. Because the TZ VIBE presents a virtual short as the cartridge load, it minimizes any impedance mismatches between the preamplifier and the cartridge. It is best to avoid mismatches as, not surprisingly, they can inject a variety of deleterious effects. Most noticeably, mismatches can unnaturally exaggerate or limit high frequencies, so avoiding them is worthwhile.

While the circuit design may seem esoteric, the TZ Vibe requires no learning curve. The unit features a pair of single-ended inputs and outputs as well as a traditional ground connection. Power comes from a small, external power supply. The power connects via a small lead through the bottom chassis plate. There are no external buttons or switches. The faceplate features a small orange LED to indicate power. The black, slightly textured top plate is secured to the main chassis by four Philips screws. Both the top plate and chassis are made from cold-rolled steel, which offers both electrical and magnetic shielding of the circuitry. The TZ Vibe is available in Sutherland team colors only— silver in front and black on top. Both finishes are of the baked-on, powder-coated varieties.

I have been a huge fan of the Sutherland 20/20 phono preamplifier ($2,199) for years. The main reason is simple. It blesses recordings with a sublime balance, consistently dancing the line between smooth and dynamic. Recently, I have also come to appreciate the more affordable iFi Micro iPhono3 Black Label phono preamplifier ($999), but for different reasons. It is notable for its huge number of configuration options, diminutive size, and magnifyingly clear, explosively dynamic presentation. At $999 the iFi is a big bang for the buck.

To flesh out the context, the other system components include the Sugden ANV-50 integrated amplifier, a new, to me at least, Rega P8 turntable with Apheta 3 moving coil phono cartridge, a pair of ATC SCM40 loudspeakers, an Auralic Altair G1 Streaming DAC, and a SVS SB-3000 subwoofer. All source and loudspeaker cables are from Audience’s impressive OHNO series. In terms of the goal, I am forever trying to inch the sound more neutral. The ATC SCM40 does a lot of great work here, as does the stunning Rega P8 / Apheta 3 combo platter. Articulation and confidence are what I demand out of source and speaker.

Connect the signal cables between the turntable and the TZ Vibe, connect the power supply lead, and you are ready to go. The design eliminates load settings from the equation. As for gain, the TZ Vibe is set to medium by default. You can increase or decrease the gain by popping the cover off and moving the small internal jumpers to high (+6dB) or low (-6dB). Tweezers are helpful here. For my 0.35 mV Rega Apheta 3, I found the medium to be the sweet spot. I did a test drive with the high setting but found the increase in gain unnecessary to achieve the volume levels I wanted. Typically speaking, the higher the gain, the more noise you introduce, so the general rule is to go for as much as you need, but not more.

Whenever I introduce a new component to my system, it takes a while for it to make friends. What I mean is, while sometimes it does feel like a component is, quote-unquote, breaking in, I’ve often thought it’s me that’s breaking in, trying to wrap my brain around what’s different, what’s better, what’s worse, etc. And this is never more true than with analog playback, which, for me, grabs far fewer hours of my life than other sources. In other words, playing records as I do, sporadically, means large gaps between listening sessions, which leads to imprecise recollections about all but the extreme positives and negatives of those sessions.

It didn’t take long for the TZ Vibe to show its talents. It was prepared. I was not. As a song trailed off, I thought, why did I put this record on? Not in a bad or boring way, just in the curious way random thoughts fill blank space. It’s always those moments just sitting there. Of course, it’s a dark song. The year is 1980, the band is Siouxsie and the Banshees, the album is Kaleidoscope, and the song is “Trophy”. It goes like this:

The Sutherland TZ Vibe is a fabulous, must-listen phono preamp for any moving coil aficionado.

The Sutherland TZ Vibe not only pulled complex and beautiful sounds from some of my favorite music, but it also connected me to that music in the same way. This is not typical. This is not ordinary. It’s special. It is as engaging a listen as anything I have heard and it is highly, HIGHLY recommended.