Andros Deluxe II Tube Phonostage

About the Andros Deluxe II Tube Phonostage

The Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Tube Phonostage is a high-end, all-tube phono preamplifier that improves on the earlier Andros 1.2 model by incorporating advances from the top-tier Téssera model. It features a dual-mono PCB design for better stereo separation and uses large, high-quality built-in moving-coil step-up transformers with Mu-metal shielding to reduce noise and improve stereo imaging. The unit is fully tube-based with no solid-state devices in the signal path, employing 2x 12AX7 and 2x 12DW7 tubes. It offers selectable gain settings for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, with 45 or 50 dB gain for MM and 63 or 68 dB for MC. Input impedance for MM is selectable between 47k or 68k ohms, and MC loading is adjustable in 12 steps from 50 to 1000 ohms. The phonostage provides both single-ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) inputs and outputs, with floating ground on RCA outputs and grounded XLR outputs to minimize ground loops. The chassis is made of 16-gauge zinc-plated steel to isolate from electronic interference. It includes features such as ground lift switches, easily accessible controls on the rear panel, and a dual chassis with an external power supply designed to reduce noise and improve reliability. The Andros Deluxe II is praised for its neutrality, detail retrieval, tonal extension, and very low noise floor, making it suitable for revealing the finest details in high-quality vinyl recordings. It weighs 21 lbs and measures 17" x 12" x 5". The product is hand-built in the USA and comes with a 50-hour factory burn-in on all circuits and tubes. It was awarded the 2022 Phonostage Product of the Year by The Absolute Sound and is highly recommended for serious analog enthusiasts.