Bel Canto Phono 1 MC/MM Phono Preamp

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General:
Well reviewed and somewhat rare (only one I could find at the time of listing) phono preamp from Bel Canto, well known for their highly engineered and no-nonsense designs.

Super flexible which means it should work with just about every cartridge out there.

Working at 100%, just like the day it was made.

Technical Notes:
This phono stage is highly adjustable. Please let us know at the time of purchase if you would like us to pre-configure the device for your cartridge before shipping.

Brand Background:
Bel Canto Audio Designs is based in Minneapolis, MN and manufactures in the USA. Products include Hi Fi Home Stereo Components, USB DACs, and Complete Audio System

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA inputs and outputs, ground, IEC power cord

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$999.00

Specs:
RIAA Accuracy Into > 20K Ohms:
20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.25 dB 

Signal to Noise Ratio:
> 75 dB A weighted

MM/MC Distortion at 3 Volts RMS Out:
< 0.01%

Input Configuration and Impedance:
Adjustable for MC Cartridge Type
47 Kohms for MM Cartridge Type

Output Options:
1 Pair RCA

Output Impedance:
50 ohms

Maximum Output Level:
9V rms

1 kHz Gain:
40, 54 or 60 dB

Power Requirements:
115/230 VAC; 50-60 Hz; 10 watts

Dimensions:
3.6" x 3.6" x 9"

Weight:
3.5 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - TAK-CU - Speciality Series Phono Cable

Testing Process:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCB’s for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope. We then switch to a 1KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment. Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.

We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected. If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.