MM/MC phono amp
With the revival of vinyl, that is coming in a grand way, there is a need for down to earth phono turntables, cartridges, phono preamplifiers and all the connected accessories. We've seen numerous products emerging from China, but it's great when some European companies took all the efforts in trying to bring the affordable audiophile gear to the market. Meet the Orange branded ...I've learned about Italian company Carot One through email requested reviews and via Facebook postings. Stand out orange recognisable colour and unique aura surrounding the products draw my attention. So wheels moved and package arrived.
ORANGE PHONO PREAMPLIFIER
When Carot One AUGUSTOLO phono MM/MC arrived from Italy I was impressed with stylish designed miniature phono preamp. Audiophile DNA and refined industrial design packed into the elegant and stylish boxes. This kind of approach I often miss on much higher priced products. Carot One is sending out the clear message of quality and seriousness. It feels good when first encounter is promising. Thumbs up!
DUBLE ITALIAN IMPACT
With Gold Note Baldinotti II cartridge under the testing, Carot One AUGUSTOLO made a great partner. The matching loading of 0.3 mV was spot on to hear what AUGUSTOLO is capable of. Baldinotti II already proved to be a stand out performer rivalling many higher priced cartridges of more established fame. The given combination of Carot One AUGUSTOLO and Golde Note Baldinotti II brought out quite an interesting outcome.
To wrap and sum things up. This duo could play the MUSIC. Baldinotti II for sure is priced quite above Carot One phono amplifier, but this combination worked well about expected.
MM
For the MM part of Carot One AUGUSTOLO phono preamplifiers duties I used my trusted set of MM phono cartridges acquired during my years of traveling through the analog vinyl universe. I'm more of MC fan, but it's true the in past two decades MM cartridges quality and ability to bring the musical message risen up compared to the prior experiences. I would say that MM performance of AUGUSTOLO was on the same level as it's MC, but in due my preference for MC I could be a bit biased to the MC part.
PERFORMANCE
Don't be fooled by the Carot One AUGUSTOLO size. It's ability to convey the music goes beyond the given size and price. AUGUSTOLO packs the speed and transparency that keeps the musical flow quite unstrained. Often with small phono preamps we find the lacking of detail and conversion of attacks. This can be more then often blamed due to a poor implementation of technology and lack of experiences. When keeping down with the noise floor the designer choices often brings the closing of transparency. This kills the music and sucks the life out. It can be called muffled sound for a reason. To make it work it takes a clever mind and well tough out circuits in keeping the flow of the music. AUGUSTOLO is the child of the right choices.
MUSIC
I've just returned from trip and acquired a dozen of great LP's from 80's era. From legendary Tracy Chapman self titled album to Roxy Music Avalon. A dream musical landscape of emotions pack into the landscape of masterfully created musical arrangements. This albums packed all need musical information to judge critically about the any analog product under the testing scope.
Carot One AUGUSTOLO brings the capability to evoke the musical and emotional impact with the needed strength and authority. It drives with the right pace and ability to involve. It might not be the last word in the complex high-end attributes. Those we connect to much higher bigger boxed phono preamplifiers, but the substantial and objective impact is there in Carot One AUGUSTOLO audiophile DNA.
CONCLUSION
Carot One AUGUSTOLO brings simplicity of use, nicely packed enclosure and ability to drive the those inner grooves of vinyl with more then enough musical impact. It's a fair product in the world of crazy prices and brand chasing names.
If you're in the search for the new phono preamplifier and you cartridge loadings works around the AUGUSTOLO numbers do not overlook this little musical box. It might surprise you in and ORANGE way.
Specifications
MM part Unit
Sensitivity 0.35mV for 350mV Output at1KHz
Input Impedance 47k Ohm
MC part Unit
Sensitivity 0.35mV for 350mV Output at1KHz
Input Impedance 0 Ohm
Output Impedance 10k Ohms
Amplification gain 75 dB
RIAA Accuracy +/- 0.25dB 20Hz to 20KHz
Specification of the AC Adaptor
AC Input Universal AC 100V-240V/50-60Hz
DC Output DC 12V 3.5A (60W)
DC Plug DC 2.1mm
MM part Unit
Ripple & Noise <= 25mV
Over-load Protection 105%-150%
Sensitivity 0.35mV for 350mV Output at1KHz
Input Impedance 47k Ohm
MC part Unit
Over-voltage Protection 115%-150%
http://www.carotone.it/augustolo.php
Matej Isak. Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine. All rights reserved. 2006-2013. www.monoandstereo.com. ..:: None of the original text, pictures, that were taken by me, links or my original files can be re-printed or used in any way without prior permission! ::..
Matej Isak. Mono and Stereo ultra high end audio magazine. All rights reserved. 2006-2013. www.monoandstereo.com. ..:: None of the original text, pictures, that were taken by me, links or my original files can be re-printed or used in any way without prior permission! ::..