Did a British Hi-Fi Elite Just Give Serious Audiophiles a New Grail?

Vertere Acoustics is a British audio manufacturer that’s best known for ultra-high-end turntables. Last year, for example, it introduced a new entry-level model, the DG-X Dynamic Groove, priced at $5,400. Interested in its flagship turntable? The RG-1 Reference Groove goes for nearly $40,000.

For the last nine years, the company has also made a phono preamplifier to pair with its audiophile turntables. The original Phono-1 was released in 2017 and, since then, Vertere has released two updated models: the Phono-1 MkII (in 2019) and the Phono-1 MK II L (in 2022). All three models were priced between $1,000 and $2,000.

Now, the company is introducing the latest evolution of its beloved phono preamp line with the Phono-1 LX.

Vertere Phono-1 LX

Vertere Acoustics

Since the original’s release, the Phono-1 has been Vertere’s one-and-only phono preamplifier. However, in 2024, the company introduced a much higher-end option called the Calon, which costs $20,000. Vertere claims it sets “a new benchmark for what a phono stage could be.”

Additionally, Vertere says that the Calon challenged them to see how they could improve the phono preamp that “started it all.” And that’s the Phono-1 LX.

Vertere Acoustics

A tinkerer’s dream

Vertere’s Phono-1 LX is a high-end phono preamplifier compatible with turntables equipped with either MM or MC cartridges. And, thanks to 10 gain settings, 15 resistance values and nine capacitance options, the company claims it ensures precise matching for “virtually any” cartridge.

Compared to previous models, the Phono-1 LX boasts a number of improvements, both sonically and physically. According to the brand, it represents the line’s most significant evolution yet.

Vertere Acoustics

The Phono-1 LX features the same internal circuit design as previous models, but Vertere upgraded it with a new PCB board with a superior gold-plated finish that is designed to improve its long-term durability.

The company also outfitted the Phono-1 LX with a new two-way earthing switch, which should help with its long-term durability and be a little easier to use.

Vertere Acoustics

Upgrades, inside and out

The Phono-1 LX is visually more striking, too. It features a new fine-textured, metallic silver finish that Vertere says gives it a “bold, refined look worthy of any high-end setup.”

And the Phono-1 LX has been upgraded with a new blue-green power indicator LED that aligns visually with the company’s other products, including its flagship Calon phono preamplifier and DG X turntable.

Vertere Acoustics

On the sonic side, the Phono-1 LX features an upgraded internal DC power supply. Vertere says this results in reduced noise and a more consistent power feed to each circuit, which should “directly enhance the performance of the phono preamplifier.”

And the Phono-1 LX has an improved AC input with specialized inductors that should further prevent unwanted interference.

Vertere claims that, compared to its predecessors, the Phono-1 LX promises to deliver “darker backgrounds, higher dynamic range, razor-sharp spatial imaging and a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room.”

Vertere Acoustics

Availability and pricing

The Vertere Phono-1 LX is available to preorder now, with shipping to the UK starting in July and then worldwide starting in August.

Like its predecessors, Vertere will offer the Phono-1 LX in four different finishes: silver, black, orange and black acrylic.

The Phono-1 LX will cost $2,399.

Vertere Acoustics

Vertere Phono-1 LX

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