Rothwell Audio Simplex MM 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 Simplex MM Phono Stage is a moving magnet phono pre-amplifier designed for both moving magnet and high output moving coil cartridges. Despite its simplicity, it delivers truly audiophile-level performance, rivaling much more expensive phonostages.
The Simplex uses the same class A discrete transistor circuit topology successfully employed in the Rothwell Rialto, but without the extra moving coil gain stage. This results in a compact, straightforward, and affordable unit that does not compromise on sound quality.
Listeners can expect a detailed, transparent, and spacious presentation of their vinyl collection. The Simplex brings clarity and musical engagement to every recording, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts seeking high-end performance in a practical, no-frills package.
Discrete Class A Circuitry for Superior Sound
At the heart of the Simplex is an elegant discrete transistor design rather than the more common op-amp circuits. Operating in class A and using local feedback rather than global feedback, the circuit achieves high linearity, wide bandwidth, and very low noise.
This design approach, honed over more than twenty years of Rothwell phonostage development, ensures the Simplex reveals every musical detail, even during complex passages. Unlike lesser designs that can sound harsh or confused under demanding conditions, the Simplex maintains clarity and musical cohesion.
The result is a natural and engaging soundstage where every instrument and vocal element is precisely placed, delivering a level of performance that makes this phonostage exceptional for its size and price.
Precise RIAA Equalisation with High-Quality Components
The Simplex achieves accurate RIAA equalisation to within 0.5dB by employing multiple audiophile polypropylene capacitors in each stage. This approach not only increases accuracy compared to a single capacitor design, but also provides mutual bypassing, which minimizes dissipation factors and reduces the impact of parasitic elements such as dielectric absorption.
By carefully designing the equalisation stage with high-quality components, the Simplex preserves the subtle tonal nuances of recordings and ensures faithful reproduction of the original signal. The result is a precise, natural, and engaging sound that respects the musical intent of the recording while maintaining transparency, clarity, and tonal balance.
Low Noise and Exceptional Signal Integrity
The Simplex is engineered to minimize noise and preserve signal integrity through careful PCB track routing, star earthing, and the use of components on both sides of the board to reduce loop area and inductance. The circuit remains remarkably quiet, with noise levels far below the surface noise or vinyl hiss of even the best pressings, allowing listeners to enjoy recordings without distraction.
Multiple stages of power supply filtering ensure that supply noise is virtually eliminated, and the use of an external power supply keeps interference away from the audio circuit. The resulting system delivers a clean, transparent, and immersive listening experience that emphasizes musical detail and dynamics.