Zesto Audio Andros 1.2 Phonostage

Impeccably designed ultra-high-end audio hand-built in the USA. 

While the Andros 1.2 has been replaced by the Andros II which comes with Zesto’s ESP power supply, that PSU is available as an upgrade for the 1.2, taking it to a very high level.

Why a Phonostage is So Important

When a vinyl record is made the volume of the bass is reduced and the treble is increased. Otherwise, the bass would cut a groove too big for a stylus to read or for the music to fit the record. The phonostage reverses the process by taking the delicate signal from your cartridge and adjusting it so that the bass and treble are restored to their original volume. This common standard is known as the RIAA curve.

The Andros

Inspired by RCA’s vacuum tube circuit designs from the 1930s, the Andros has been engineered to bring you the clarity and depth of the original recording. Your highs will be crisp but not overly emphasized, your midranges clear and present without being shrill and your lows full and firm without being boomy.

A Startling Difference

As we went through testing our panel of audiophiles marveled at hearing subtle nuances, discovering new things in recordings they’d played many, many times. They appreciated its clear stereo image with maximum channel separation and minimal phase distortion.

Features

• The circuit is specifically designed to provide sufficient amplification to match your cartridge with the rest of your system
• Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA”
• 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
• A low noise level of -80 dBv below maximum output allows the quietest passages to be heard
• RCA connectors are high quality, Gold plated, recessed with an isolated ground.
• Isolated ground RCA connectors plus the ground on/off switch will allow you to choose the best ground configuration
• All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust.
• Two position MM switch 47K and 15K ohm to accommodate more cartridges
• 10 position MC load switch from 20 to 1000 ohm and more in the sweet spot above 200
• Accommodates both high and low MC output cartridges
• Elegantly designed 16-gauge steel enclosure to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment
• On/Off power switch conveniently mounted on front side panel
• Easy-to-read large type on back panel

Specifications

Output impedance: 10 Kohm

Max output level: +8.5 V

Tube complement: 4 x gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 

MM input gain: 47 dB

MC input gain: 67 dB

MC impedances (ohm): 1000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 20 

Dimensions (WDH): 17″ x 12″ x 5″

Weight: 20 lb