The RCM Audio The Big Phono is a reference two-chassis phono preamplifier designed to provide exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and precise RIAA equalisation for high-performance analogue systems. Its separate power-supply chassis employs independent supplies for the left and right channels with multi-stage stabilisation and extensive filtering, physically isolating the sensitive amplification and equalisation circuitry from the transformers and power-supply electronics.
The audio signal is amplified across four stages with passive RIAA correction, while two independently configurable RCA inputs allow two cartridges or analogue front ends to remain connected simultaneously. Gain and cartridge loading can be adjusted from the front panel or remote control, with seven sensitivity settings and eight impedance settings providing extensive cartridge matching. Both chassis are machined from massive 65mm-thick aluminium blocks, creating exceptionally rigid, heavily shielded enclosures for the sensitive phono circuitry.
Key Features
Reference two-chassis phono preamplifier
Separate phono and power-supply chassis
Independent left- and right-channel power supplies
Multi-stage power-supply stabilisation and filtering
Separate power feeds for left channel, right channel and control logic
Four-stage signal amplification
Passive RIAA equalisation
RIAA accuracy: ±0.1dB from 20Hz–20kHz
2 × RCA phono inputs
Independent configuration for each input
Adjustable input sensitivity from 0.3–5mV
7 sensitivity/gain settings
Gain range: 52–76dB
Adjustable input impedance from 30Ω–47kΩ
8 impedance settings
Input capacitance: 150pF
Front-panel display showing selected input and settings
Settings adjustable from front panel or remote control
Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
Output impedance: 70Ω
Nominal output level: 2Vrms
Maximum output level: 9Vrms
THD: <0.01%
Signal-to-noise ratio: 87dB
Each chassis machined from two 65mm-thick aluminium blocks
Enclosure wall thickness approaching 30mm in some areas
Hand assembled and individually tested
Preamplifier dimensions: 430 × 410 × 145mm
Power-supply dimensions: 430 × 410 × 145mm
Preamplifier weight: 20kg
Power-supply weight: 30kg
Maximum power consumption: 25W
The RCM Audio The Big Phono is a reference two-chassis phono preamplifier designed to provide exceptionally low noise, wide dynamic range and precise RIAA equalisation for high-performance analogue systems. Its separate power-supply chassis employs independent supplies for the left and right channels with multi-stage stabilisation and extensive filtering, physically isolating the sensitive amplification and equalisation circuitry from the transformers and power-supply electronics.
The audio signal is amplified across four stages with passive RIAA correction, while two independently configurable RCA inputs allow two cartridges or analogue front ends to remain connected simultaneously. Gain and cartridge loading can be adjusted from the front panel or remote control, with seven sensitivity settings and eight impedance settings providing extensive cartridge matching. Both chassis are machined from massive 65mm-thick aluminium blocks, creating exceptionally rigid, heavily shielded enclosures for the sensitive phono circuitry.
Key Features
Reference two-chassis phono preamplifier
Separate phono and power-supply chassis
Independent left- and right-channel power supplies
Multi-stage power-supply stabilisation and filtering
Separate power feeds for left channel, right channel and control logic
Four-stage signal amplification
Passive RIAA equalisation
RIAA accuracy: ±0.1dB from 20Hz–20kHz
2 × RCA phono inputs
Independent configuration for each input
Adjustable input sensitivity from 0.3–5mV
7 sensitivity/gain settings
Gain range: 52–76dB
Adjustable input impedance from 30Ω–47kΩ
8 impedance settings
Input capacitance: 150pF
Front-panel display showing selected input and settings
Settings adjustable from front panel or remote control
Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs
Output impedance: 70Ω
Nominal output level: 2Vrms
Maximum output level: 9Vrms
THD: <0.01%
Signal-to-noise ratio: 87dB
Each chassis machined from two 65mm-thick aluminium blocks
Enclosure wall thickness approaching 30mm in some areas
Hand assembled and individually tested
Preamplifier dimensions: 430 × 410 × 145mm
Power-supply dimensions: 430 × 410 × 145mm
Preamplifier weight: 20kg
Power-supply weight: 30kg
Maximum power consumption: 25W
