PHO-8

About the PHO-8

The Vincent PHO-8 is a well-constructed phono preamplifier designed for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. It features a dual-chassis design with a separate external power supply to minimize noise and interference, connected via a 5-pin DIN cable. The unit offers gain and load optimization for MM and MC cartridges selectable by a front-panel pushbutton. It has a sturdy build with 10mm-thick faceplates and a neat internal layout for short signal paths and high-quality components. The PHO-8 provides precise RIAA equalization with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz within ±0.5 dB, low total harmonic distortion (<0.05%), and high signal-to-noise ratios (MM >83 dB, MC >70 dB). It outputs a maximum voltage of 8 V per channel and has output impedance of 250 ohms. The unit weighs approximately 2.6 lbs, with the power supply weighing 3.3 lbs, and measures 4.5" wide, 2.3" high, and 5.4" deep. It is praised for quiet operation, wide soundstage, and detailed sound reproduction, making it a strong contender in its price range around . However, some reviews note a slight deviation in RIAA equalization that may affect sound accuracy. The PHO-8 remains in production and is available through authorized dealers.