The Phono-1 MkII L phono stage from British analogue audio specialist, Vertere, is the successor to the well-received MkII update to the already popular original Phono-1.

We are told that the Phono-1 MkII L benefits from “subtle but significant” improvements to the sound quality, made possible by “non-trivial” refinements to the circuit board layout - and that's where the “L” comes in.

Vertere's new L-shaped gold-plated circuit board also sees the linear power supply moved to the main PCB, allowing significant track and ground plane layout optimisation. Further advantages include ensuring signal track lengths are equal, lowering impedances and adjusting track widths to direct current flow, says the British company.

While the gain, capacitance and impedance settings are still adjusted via DIP switches, these are now easier to access and alter. Here you are offered plenty of customisation options, including ten gain settings (40.2dB to 62.8dB ), fifteen input impedances (47k for MM, 78R to 47k for MC) and nine capacitance settings (100pF and 470pF for MM, 100pF to 1.02uF for MC ) that should cover most moving magnet and moving coil cartridges out there right now.

Vertere has kept the three-way ground switch - Hard Ground, Ground Lift, or Soft Ground - which should help reduce any background hum from your set up.

Aesthetically, the L version gets an orange power LED to differentiate it from the others.

The Vertere Phono-1 MkII L is expected to be available around the end of August 2022, and comes in a selection of panel finishes, including signature Vertere orange, silver aluminium, semi-matte black, and the new DG-1 gloss black to match the Vertere DG-1 Dynamic Groove turntable. It will sell for AUD $2695 / NZD $3195 RRP.

Visit Vertere Acoustics for more information