"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," states 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.
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. Then, 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.
Each channel’s signal path is completely separate from the other channels, with no signal crosstalk between channels, and 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. Finally, 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.
www.andoveraudio.com
