The latest introduction to our flagship 10 Series, the P10 phono-stage joins the benchmark L10 and M10 amplifiers, products that have quickly establishhed themselves as an almost universal reference.
They followed in the footsteps of our original P1 phono-stage, a unit that has also long been recognised as THE benchmark for phono performance, by reviewers and end-users alike. But as impressive (and impressively versatile) as the P1 undoubtedly is, the P10 represents a whole new level of sophistication and musical reproduction.
Adopting the twin-chassis configuration common to all 10 Series products, it also introduces an all-new circuit topology and a host of other practical and performance innovations.
- Twin-chassis design with massive, dedicated power supply and ultra low noise-floor.
- All-new circuit with three separate gain stages to reduce noise.
- Two-stage passive EQ.
- Four independently configurable XLR/RCA phono inputs.
- Two trans-impedance current sensing MC inputs.
- Two conventional, fully discrete, voltage sensing MC/MM inputs.
- Higher gain and finer gain adjustment, with 3dB steps rather than the 5dB increments found on the P1.
- The same user selectable local/global feedback setting introduced on the L10.
- Unprecedented range and precision of loading options on voltage inputs.
- Seven optional EQ curves for EMI, Columbia (LP), Decca (London), Teldec (DGG), NARTB/NAB, Capitol (AES) and Philips.
- Improved user interface, including handy IR remote control for all main functions (and switching EQ).
- Improved cartridge gain/loading wizard to aid set up.
The P10 might be an analog component, but the numbers tell the tale: a noise floor that’s 5dB lower than the already ghostly quiet P1; 45 to 78dB of gain in 3dB steps (that’s 8dB more than the P1); four independent phono inputs and as many as eight different record replay EQ curves. Throw in the remotely selectable Neumann pole for all EQ curves, local/global feedback, stereo/mono switching and high-pass filter and you have one of the user-friendliest phono-stages available. The display even changes colour to remind you when you have an optional EQ curve engaged.
Of course, the P10 incorporates the improved mechanical grounding system employed on the other 10 Series products and comes in the same choice of three different finishes. It also offers the same choices when it comes to connectivity, with balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) connections for all inputs: the provision of balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA and 50Ω BNC) outputs and the choice of different input topologies to suit different cartridge types with different electrical characteristics, making it one of the most highly tunable phono-stages available. With its unprecedented loading options and the opportunity to double up to a full, four-box P10 True Monaural configuration, you also have one of the most versatile, able to bring out the best from almost any cartridge and match any system.
But the icing on the cake is the performance – the performance that’s captured on the record you are playing. The L10 and M10 broke new ground when it came to system matching, natural musical reproduction and communication, bringing listeners closer to the original event than ever before. The P10 delivers the same advantages, but it delivers them that much closer to the front of the system, so that you enjoy the benefits at every stage thereafter. Records have never sounded so like life. You’ve never been able to get so close to the original performers or their performance. Just when audiophiles were beginning to think it was safe to rely on digital sources, the P10 has elevated record replay to a whole new high.