Musical Surroundings Phonomena III Phono
From the Folks Who Bring You Hana Cartridges
(click to visit Musical Surroundings)
We acquired a Phonomena III for our setup rack - for the simple task of running a signal into our Feickert setup software.
It sat and sat ... neglected and underappreciated.
One day, we plugged it into our reference system - initially in its base configuration (without the linear power supply upgrade).
Our first observation matched that of Michael Fremer. It portrays an astonishingly wide sound stage.
First and formost however, we're all about tonal accuracy and the Phonomena delivers the goods in this department.
With it's black backround, pianissimo phrases are delicately rendered, while rim shots and crescendos will pin you to the back of your seat.
Designed and manufactured in the USA, the Phonomena III is only in its third iteration - having been first launched in 1999.
When a design is well-conceived, you don't need annual upgrades. The customer should not be a beta tester.
Prices effective January, 2025:
subject to change without notice due to fluctuating market conditions and at manufacturer's discretion.
Phonomena III - Base Unit: $1200
Available in Silver or Black
The base unit is powered with a supplied wall wart and is upgradable with a dedicated linear supply (scroll down).
- Gain is adjustable in 13 steps from 40 to 66dB
- Loading is adjustable in 12 steps from 30 ohms to 475 ohms, with additional loading of 660, 1K, 2K, 47K, and 100K
- Capacitive loading is adjustable (for MM cartridges)
- "Super matched" discrete input transistors - one reason for the expansive sound stage.
Linear Power Supply: $1,000
Available in Black and Silver
Feed the Phonomena with its optional linear power supply and it becomes the Hana Umami Blue of phono stages - a market disruptor.
The noise floor is even blacker, dynamics bloom even more naturally and everything is more refined and nuanced.
Positioned side by side, the Phonomena and linear supply occupy a standard shelf width.
No cutting corners
- A Tamura power transformer is specified. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, their "iron" is specified in top level tube amplification (companies like Air Tight).
- Ultra Low Noise, Low Dropout, Precision Voltage Regulators (Linear Technologies LT1965, LT3015).
