Rothwell Audio Rialto MM/MC Phono Stage
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Features
| MC input | No |
|---|---|
| MM Input | No |
| Adjustable Gain | No |
| Brand Color | None |
| Adjustable Impedance | No |
| Warranty The length of time your product is protected by warranty | 2 Years |
| Product Type | Other |
Description
The Rothwell Audio Rialto MM/MC Phono Stage offers genuine high-end performance without the high-end price tag. Despite its affordability, the Rialto competes with far more expensive phono stages, delivering exceptional clarity, detail, and musicality. Every aspect of the design has been focused on maximizing sound quality while eliminating features that do not directly enhance performance.
This makes the Rialto an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking transparency and precision from both moving magnet and low-output moving coil cartridges. The design philosophy ensures that every component and layout decision contributes directly to sonic excellence, creating a phono stage that outperforms expectations in its price category while remaining highly accessible for a wide range of hi-fi systems.
A Legacy of Audiophile Engineering
The Rialto continues the Rothwell tradition of innovative phonostage design that began with the company’s first model in 1989, showcased at the London Hi-Fi Show of 1990. That early design featured many elements now widely adopted in high-end phono stages, including a large outboard power supply and selectable cartridge loading.
Building on decades of experience, the Rialto combines modern component technology with proven design principles to create a phonostage capable of exceptional sound reproduction. By applying this wealth of knowledge, Rothwell has produced a unit that is both musically engaging and technically precise, giving listeners the sense of scale, detail, and tonal accuracy typically found in much more expensive systems.
Audiophile-Grade Discrete Circuitry
The Rialto employs a fully discrete Class A circuit with no op-amps, ensuring zero crossover distortion and ultra-low noise performance. High-quality components are selected throughout to maintain clarity and transparency, particularly with low-output moving coil cartridges.
While the phono stage performs superbly on its own, optimum results with MC cartridges can be achieved using the Rothwell MCL step-up transformer into the MM stage of the Rialto. This combination further enhances signal integrity and allows listeners to experience the full musicality of their vinyl collection.
The discrete design and careful circuit layout contribute to a stable, low-noise operation, providing a clean, detailed, and natural sound stage.
Compact Design and Practical Features
The Rialto is thoughtfully designed to be compact and efficient, with external power supply for minimal interference and a small footprint of 60 x 155 x 92 mm, weighing just 770 grams. Despite its size, the phono stage offers outstanding performance with both MM and MC cartridges.
It operates with low power consumption while delivering high fidelity, making it ideal for modern hi-fi systems. The combination of discrete Class A circuitry, external power supply, and audiophile-grade components ensures a remarkable listening experience that surpasses expectations, providing a transparent, dynamic, and engaging performance that makes the Rialto a standout choice in its class.