The rPhono is the latest addition to Arcam’s Black Box rSeries. Previewed at CES and launching to the public at Bristol’s hifi Show at the end of February, the Arcam rPhono is designed specifically to upgrade an in-built phono stage or to add a turntable input to an existing amplifier.

With more than forty years of analogue audio experience, Arcam say that they, “know how to build a phono stage, using the finest quality parts in a layout that is optimised for low noise and minimum distortion. The multi-layer PCB allows our designers to maximise the quality of the ground plane so that interference between components is further reduced. The use of multiple, low-noise, individually regulated power supplies ensures the rPhono delivers the cleanest signal to the audiophile quality output stage”.

They go on to say,”a wealth of features are specifically designed for optimal matching of a turntable’s cartridge. Moving coil users benefit from precision impedance matching using high-quality trimmers instead of discrete steps, while moving magnet users have a wide variety of capacitance options. An optionally selectable low frequency “rumble” filter eliminates the effects of warping or pressing irregularities, which can be present on some vinyl.Precision components give excellent RIAA response and class-leading performance figures, mean the rPhono will delight all music-lovers. The rPhono is a simple way to improve the performance regardless of turntable and brings Arcam quality sound to any system”.

Key Features 

– Moving coil & Moving magnet support 

– Adjustable input impedance 50-550Ω (MC) 

– Adjustable input capacitance (MM) 

– Rumble filter 

– Precision RIAA filter response 

– High-end audio circuitry 

– Die cast metal case for mechanically stable structure 

– Vibration damped non-slip rubber base 

– Price £399 GBP inc Tax – $599 USD

Tech Specs

Frequency response Rumble filter OFF  – 20Hz-50kHz ± 0.2dB -3dB at 7Hz 

Rumble filter ON – 45Hz-50kHz ± 0.2dB -3dB at 20Hz, -13dB at 10Hz 

Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (at 1kHz, 5V Out) 

MC input, 30dB gain 0.005% 

MM input, 30dB gain 0.0015% 

System gain 

MC input 60, 70, 80 or 82dB 

MM input 30, 40, 50 or 52dB 

Input impedance 

MC input 50 – 550Ω + 1nF 

MM input 47kΩ + 120, 220, 340 or 440pF 

Equivalent input noise (A-weighted, 40dB MM gain) 

MC input 0.06μV RMS 

MM input 0.5μV RMS 

Output level 

Nominal 0.5V RMS 

Maximum 6V RMS 

Dimensions (WxHxD) 194 x 44 x 124mm 

Net weight 1.1kg