Vertere Phono-1 LX MM/MC Phono Preamp Brings Lower Noise and Greater Control to Vinyl Playback

Vertere has upgraded its Phono-1 phono preamp line with the $2,399 Phono-1 LX, a new MM/MC phono stage that replaces the Phono-1 MKII L. The core RIAA circuit remains intact, but the supporting hardware has been given serious attention: a revised gold-plated PCB, upgraded internal DC power supply, improved AC input filtering, and a simpler two-way earthing switch. None of that sounds especially glamorous until you remember that a phono cartridge produces a microscopic signal and every bit of hum, RF interference, or power-supply noise is waiting nearby with a sharpened knife.

Founded in the UK by Roksan co-founder Touraj Moghaddam, Vertere has built its reputation around treating analog playback as a chain of mechanical and electrical problems worth solving properly. eCoustics’ coverage of the Vertere DG-X turntable found the same approach in its motor drive, bearing, power supply, and resonance-control work. The Phono-1 LX applies that philosophy to the space between cartridge and amplifier, where quieter power, better grounding, and more careful filtering can matter as much as the turntable itself.

Related Reviews: Muarah MU-2 Phono Preamplifier Review: The Audiophile System Builder

Connections: The Phono-1 LX keeps connectivity relatively simple, with single-ended RCA inputs, stereo RCA line outputs, and grounding terminals. It supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges, but there are no balanced XLR outputs. At this price, that will feel like a missed opportunity for listeners whose preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers offer balanced inputs. Vertere has clearly prioritized cartridge matching and noise control over connection flexibility.

Earthing Switch: Vertere has replaced the previous grounding arrangement with a new two-way earthing switch that toggles between “Earth Lift” and “Earth Connection.” The company says the revised design is easier to operate and intended to provide a longer service life, while giving owners a straightforward way to address grounding issues within their own system.

Clean and Silent Power: The Phono-1 LX uses a revised AC input with additional filtering intended to prevent high-frequency and RF interference from entering the circuit. That works alongside an upgraded internal DC power supply designed to deliver cleaner, more consistent power to the phono stage. Vertere says the result is a quieter background and greater access to low-level detail buried in the groove.

Internal Circuitry: A new gold-plated PCB is intended to improve soldering consistency and long-term reliability across the circuit. Better construction and more careful grounding are exactly the kind of details that matter when a phono stage is amplifying an extremely low-level cartridge signal.

Cartridge Matching: The Phono-1 LX offers 10 gain settings, 15 resistance values, and nine capacitance options for more precise matching with moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. That gives owners meaningful flexibility when changing cartridges or dialing in an existing setup.

Power Indicator: The Phono-1 LX adds a blue-green power indicator LED that visually aligns it with the Vertere DG X, Tempo, Imperium, and CALON. It is a small detail, but it gives the phono stage a more consistent identity within the wider Vertere range.

Chassis and Cover: Vertere has fitted the Phono-1 LX with a new cover finished in fine-textured metallic silver. The update gives the unit a more refined appearance and a more tactile finish than the earlier model. Vertere has also eliminated the four top-mounted fixing screws, creating a cleaner, uninterrupted surface that brings the design closer to the company’s CALON phono preamplifier.

Comparison

The Bottom Line 

The Vertere Phono-1 LX is not aimed at casual vinyl listeners looking to replace the phono input inside an affordable integrated amplifier. At $2,399, it is intended for high performance analog systems with a turntable, tonearm, and cartridge capable of exposing the benefits of lower noise, more precise loading, and better system grounding.

Its strongest appeal will be to owners of Vertere turntables such as the DG X and DG-1S, particularly those using the company’s XtraX moving coil or Dark Sabre moving magnet cartridges. The broader adjustment range should also make it a credible option for listeners using cartridges from other manufacturers, provided the rest of the system is sufficiently revealing. The Phono-1 LX is less about adding a long list of headline features than refining the electrical environment around a very small cartridge signal.

The competition is not gentle. The $2,495 MoFi UltraPhono Pro offers front-panel gain and loading controls, balanced and single-ended outputs, a mono switch, subsonic filter, and a more overtly feature-rich approach. The $2,899 Cyrus 40 PPA goes further still with four configurable inputs, balanced and RCA outputs, remote control, level meters, a warp filter, and an optional external power-supply upgrade. Gold Note’s PH-10 is another serious rival for listeners who want balanced outputs, selectable EQ curves, and two independently configurable inputs.

The Muarah MU-2 remains the more characterful alternative for listeners who want tube-based circuitry, easy loading changes, and a fuller, warmer tonal balance. Its RCA-only connections and lower 56dB MC gain, however, make it a less natural fit for very low-output moving coil cartridges.

Price & Availability

The Vertere Phono-1 LX comes in four finishes: silver, orange, black, and black acrylic, with a price of $2,399 (£1650 / AU$3250) through Authorized Dealers.

For more information: vertereacoustics.com

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