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View Full Version : FS: Whest PS.20 + MsU.20 High end MM/MC phono stage



Snoopdog
18-01-2009, 13:36
Most people know and studies have confirmed that above 30Khz is where the ‘signature’ of instruments exists. Pianos, violins and many other stringed instruments all have upper harmonics up to and sometimes beyond 40Khz. This is what tells us the difference between instruments in the same family. The input stage of the Whest Audio Phonostage.20 is designed to be ultra-linear with a frequency response of 1Hz-130KHz +/- 0.05dB. However, Whest Audio have added a special 50KHz zero on the RIAA curve to mimic the cutter head, and thereby allowing reproduction up to 50KHz which exists on all LPs as their studies into cutter head electronics show.

The input stage also utilises ultra low noise circuitry and ultra low noise multi-regulation so that MC cartridges with extremely low output levels have no problems when connected to the PhonoStage.20.

With the PhonoStage.20 you will hear much clearer mid and high frequencies and because the high frequency is extended ALL instruments down to basses and kick drums will sound much more realistic with better transient response and positioning within the soundstage. It is only now by using modern audiophile playback equipment that we can appreciate just how much information there is on vinyl.

The majority of modern phonostages are developments of circuits published by the IC chip manufacturers, which with the help of regulated supplies and expensive components, can achieve quite respectable results but generally suffer from image instability and solidity, resolution and no drive capability. IC chips are not capable of driving difficult loads, even an audiophile grade 1m interconnect is quite an obstacle; the maximum output current available from even the best IC chip being only about 50mA. This lack of current and headroom has a detrimental effect on speed, solidity, musical drive and soundstage accuracy.

The PhonoStage.20 uses output devices usually found in the driver stages of modern esoteric power amplifiers. Each of these driver transistors has a current capability of 3A, and in conjunction with a newly developed discrete circuit operating up to 30 MHz with bipolar voltages of +/- 30V, provides a combination of massive headroom and speed.

Because of the different needs of the various circuits involved in the PhonoStage.20 a special power supply was needed. The transformer is a bespoke unit developed by Whest Audio Ltd and manufactured in the UK. The current capability of the MsU.20 is about 300 times what the PhonoStage.20 theoretically needs, the extra headroom being totally beneficial to audio reproduction.

Features:

• Housed in same non-ferrous case as the renowned DAP range.
• Full Dual-Mono configuration.
• 2 Box layout with separate multiple voltage and high current power supply.
• Ultra low noise input with a frequency response of 1Hz-120KHz.
• RIAA curve accuracy to within 0.2dB.
• RIAA extension to 50kHz for better definition and ambience.
• Hybrid filter configuration.
• High current, Class-A discrete output stage.
• Fully variable cartridge loading via user specified plugs.

Specification

Model No.:

PhonoStage.20 + MsU.20

RIAA curve accuracy:

18Hz - 22Khz +/- 0.2dB

Frequency response:

5Hz - 60Khz -10dB /- 1.5dB

Working band:

15Hz - 53Khz

THD+N:

0.01%

MM Gain

40dB

MC gain

62dB internally adjustable only by dealer .

Connections:

Unbalanced

Connectors:

Gold Audiophile

Unpacked weight:

3.5Kgs

Packed weight:

4Kgs

Dimensions:

2 x 165mm x 107mm x 62mm

Operating voltage:

230VAC 50Hz or 115VAC 60Hz

Supplied in manufacturers box with user manual, audiophile-grade interconnects, multi-pin connector, mains cable, 1 x set of MM loading plugs (47K/220p), 1 x set of MC loading plugs (100R)

The serial number is compatible with the manufacturers upgrade to this model (details on website).

In mint condition with minimal use. Offered at £600

Contact Steve on 01252 695525 / 07725 874832 (Fleet, Hampshire).
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y76/crystalref/Whest.jpg

Snoopdog
24-01-2009, 13:46
Now sold to a music lover in France who has found that his Euros go a lot further these days!