
The stand alone Arthur Loesch 1.1 Phono Stage takes the RIAA circuit from the 1.1 Full-Function Control Preamplifier and strips away the volume controls and extra inputs. It's intended for use with an external line stage, either passive or solid state. Alternatively, a pair of mono volume controls can be installed and the output signal run directly into the power amplifier, eliminating the need for the line stage altogether. And, if your amplifier already incorporates level controls, the need for extra attenuators is completely eliminated, as well. The phono stage is available in two variations, utilizing 6GK5 or 6C4 tubes, respectively. No additional tubed gain stage is required or recommended for use with the6GK5 version. However, if you already own a solid stage line stage that can provide up to +15dB of gain, then the 6C4 version is designed for you. We do not recommend running the signal from either version into a tubed line stage.

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The Sound
In voicing the phono circuit, unamplified music, recorded in a live environment, rather than in a studio, was used as the primary reference. The result is a natural, well-balanced sound, with nothing added or subtracted. If the details are on the disk (or disc) and the rest of the audio system is on a par, you will easily hear nuances that were previously hidden. These include those unique, low-level cues which distinguish individual recording spaces from one another. The lack of a sonic signature produces a sound that's notable for its natural bass, glare-free treble, and rich, detailed midrange. Add to these assets an uncanny degree of clarity, plus "air," and you can follow every individual instrument or voice with ease. When integrated with equipment of comparable quality, the audio system simply disappears, leaving you alone with the performers, themselves. Now the only question to ask is this — are they playing in your space or are you listening in theirs?
The Circuit Amplifying the audio signal in three gain stages, the phono circuit is suitable for any cartridge with an output of 0.25mV (or lower) to 5.0mV, moving coil or moving magnet. In some systems, lower output cartridges (less than 0.8mV) may benefit from the addition of a step-up transformer. In that case, we offer as options the economical CineMag CMQEE-3440A, as well as the dedicated Slagle step-ups.
Left and right channels are built on a pair of identical boards, mounted side-by-side for true dual-mono operation. Cartridge loading is infinitely variable via fixed-value plug-in resistors, located internally next to the phono input.
Optional RCA sockets can be added on the back panel for listeners who prefer external plug-ins.
Each stage is built with its own optimal blend of parts, many of which are normally considered to be upgrades. These include VCap Teflon® capacitors, "naked" Vishay Resistors, WBT NextGen RCA sockets, and extra soft temper, pure silver wire. Hand-selected and precisely matched low-noise NOS (new old stock) American and British tubes, culled from an extensive in-house inventory, are standard.

| 1st Stage |
2nd Stage* |
3rd Stage |
Raytheon 5842 Western Electric 417A
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RCA 6GK5 or Mullard 6C4 |
Tung Sol 5687 Amperex 7119 Bendix / MU 6900 |
Tubes in Bold Face are supplied. Those in Light Face can be substituted.
* 2nd Stage tubes are not interchangeable and need to be specified at the time of purchase.
The 1201B+ Power Supply
Based on a design originally developed for military and laboratory test equipment, the 1201B+ Power Supply is a separate tube regulated unit that's been updated and optimized for high-end audio. User adjustable for 120V or 240V worldwide operation, it's housed in a chassis that's completely separate from the audio section in order to provide optimum shielding for low noise operation. An illuminated meter and 10-turn trimpot allow the user to precisely adjust the output voltage, while circuit breakers mounted on the front panel do away with fuses. The power supply is connected to the audio stage by a heavy duty umbilical which is available in lengths from 2 feet (0.6 meters) to 8 feet (2.4 meters). In addition, a second power supply can be added at any time for complete dual-mono operation. This has the advantage of increasing overall dynamics and bass response, especially in phono mode. An IEC inlet allows the use of an upgraded AC power cord on each supply.

Click here or on the photo for complete power supply information and specs.
| Specifications | 1.1 Control Preamplifier |
| Net Gain | - +60dB Phono (6GK5 version) or
- +48dB Phono (6C4 version)
- +18dB Active Line Stage
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| Inputs | WBT NextGen RCA Sockets:
- Phono In Direct
- Phono In Via Step-Up Transformer (optional)
- Phono Load Via External RCA Plugs (optional)
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| Outputs | WBT NextGen RCA Sockets:
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| Selector Switch | Mono / Stereo (optional) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 50KHz |
| Phono Input Impedance | Infinitely variable via plug-in resistors, internal or external Default = 47K Ohms (supplied) |
| Phono Output Impedance | Zout = 3K3 Ohms (typical) |
| Recommended Amplifier Input Impedance | Zin = 100K Ohms (typical) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | No more than 0.1% |
| IM Distortion | No more than 0.1% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Better than 87dB |
| Phase | Non-Inverting |
| External Ground Connectors | Earth Ground (AC Earth) and Common Ground (AC Neutral) |
| Signal Ground | Switchable via locking toggle:- Signal to Earth (Default) or
- Signal Float
|
| AC Mains Input | 120V @ 60Hz or 240V @ 50Hz, user switchable On request, the power supply can be wired for 100V, 110V, or 220V at no extra charge. |
| Dimensions | 16.75" Wide x 16.0" Deep x 4.5" High, including feet, excluding power supplies (425mm Wide x 406mm Deep x 114mm High) |
| Net Weight | Audio Stage: 14 lbs. (6.4 kg) Power Supply: 25 lbs. (11.3 kg) each |
| Shipping Weight | Audio Stage: 19 lbs. (8.6 kg) Power Supply: 29 lbs. (13.2 kg) each |
All features, parts, and specifications are subject to change without notice.
In addition, the Phono Stage can be purchased as the Full-Function 1.1 Control Preamplifier with these features:
- 1 Phono circuit, 1 Active line circuit, and 2 Passive Line inputs, plus Mute
- Dual-Mono Ladder Volume + Balance Controls
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| Prices, Basic Unit | Plus shipping from Saratoga Springs, New York 12866, USA |
| 1.1 Phono Stage with Single Power Supply | $5,500, 6GK5 or 6C4 version |
| Options and Upgrades | |
| Add a Second Power Supply | +$2,500 for full Dual-Mono operation. Audio stages are pre-wired for Dual-Mono power supplies and do not have to be returned for this upgrade. |
| Upgrade the 1st Stage Tubes to WE417A | +$250/Matched Pair of extra quiet NOS Western Electric 417A tubes |
| Add a Mono-Stereo switch | +$100 |
| Add a pair of built-in CineMag CMQEE-3440A Step-Up Transformers | +$375 Includes an additional pair of WBT NextGen Cu copper RCA sockets, plus a pair of TX2352 ("Naked" Vishay) loading resistors. |
| Add a pair of built-in Slagle Dedicated Step-Up Transformers | Custom made to match your cartridge; includes an additional pair of WBT NextGen Cu copper RCA sockets. Available in Fall, 2009. Price to be announced. |
| Add a pair of resistor-base, ladder-type step-attenuators | +$600 These volume controls have an attenuation range of 0dB to -62dB in 24 steps. |
| Add a pair of Slagle Autoformer Modules | +$800 This upgrade package includes a pair of Slagle Autoformer modules and provides attenuation from +1.25dB to -41.25 dB in 32 steps. |
| Add a pair of Slagle Autoformer Volume Controls (AVC) | +$2,200 This upgrade package includes a pair of 28-step Slagle Autoformers and two Shallco switches. It provides attenuation from 0dB to -52dB in 2dB steps. |
| Purchase additional Phono Load Resistors | +$35/1% pair of TX2352 ("Naked" Vishay) resistors in any value from 1 Ohm to 200,000 Ohms, including fractional values |
| Upgrade the RCA Sockets | Upgrade the WBT NextGen Cu Copper sockets to WBT NextGen Ag Fine Silver sockets. +$44/Pair There are two pairs on the Phono Stage. Installing the Step-Up Transformers adds a third pair.
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| Upgrade the Power Cord | Upgrade the standard 14 Gauge shielded power cord to our 12 Gauge double-Teflon® insulated, CS Power Cord, featuring WattGate Audio Grade terminations. +$250/6 feet, +$10 each additional foot, per power supply |
| Customization | Add different inputs, curves, or other custom features. Quotations on request. |
| Warranty | - 10 Years (transferable) on all parts and labor, with the exception of
- 90 Days on tubes
Unauthorized parts substitution may void Warranty |
| Availability | Now ! All units are built to order by hand in our workshop in Troy, New York, USA. Lead time is typically 2-4 weeks from order to shipment depending on the individual configuration. |
Contact us to arrange for an audition at our Troy, New York, listening room or for an in-home audition. Certain restrictions apply.
Tempo Electric LLC
PO Box 770
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-0770
USA
(518) 542-7004
The best time to reach us by telephone is 10AM-6PM, US Eastern Time.
If you reach our voicemail, please leave a message with the best time to return your call.
You can always contact us by eMail instead and we will try to reply within 24 hours.
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