MC PRO BY MICHAEL FIDLER IS THE NEW PHONOSTAGE FROM CLASSIC AUDIO

The MC PRO by Michael Fidler is a discrete input low-frequency crossfeed MC phonostage.

Using a new circuit architecture the MC PRO phonostage for moving coil cartridges, joins its moving magnet sister product the MM PRO.

MC PRO BY MICHAEL FIDLER

Hand made in Kent, England, utilising all through-hole technology and socketed amplifier ICs, the MC PRO is a hybrid input amplifier combining discrete bipolar input transistors with a servo-stabilised IC op-amp driver.

MC PRO By Michael Fidler

Michael told us: “Conventional MM/MC combination phonostages degrade the MC noise floor by feeding a low gain MC head amplifier through the MM input, adding noise from both inputs. By amplifying the input signal by over 100 times in the first stage, as opposed to just 10 times for MM level in combination phonostages, the first stage’s output in the MC PRO is immunised against the noise of the next stage. This dedicated architecture permits a very quiet signal-to-noise ratio of 81dB against a 0.5mV input signal”.

The MC PRO By Michael Fidler features RIAA accuracy to within 0.1dB using telecoms grade polystyrene film capacitors in a dedicated shunt feedback amplifier stage, which occurs straight after the hybrid head amplifier.

MC PRO By Michael Fidler back panel

SUBSONIC FILTER

Michael tells us that the worst surface disturbances inherent to the vinyl medium are attenuated 14 times at 10Hz by the 23Hz 3rd order subsonic filter, stopping them from destabilising and overloading amplifiers and loudspeakers, generating distortion.

Inside the MC PRO By Michael Fidler

MONO RECORDINGS

To extract the most detail from mono pressings, free of stereo field surface noise and distortion, a mono/stereo toggle switch is included on the front panel, bridging the two channels together when enabled.

Distribution of gain in the triple-stage design has been designed to yield less than 0.0005% distortion throughout the audio band.

LINEAR POWER SUPPLY

The linear split power supply uses high reliability Panasonic electrolytic capacitors and takes the power transformer and its troublesome magnetic fields out of the enclosure.. The small external transformer also provides the best possible mains isolation. Splitting the internal power rails keeps non-linear amplifier power currents out of the ground path where they can generate distortion. A precise analogue comparator based start up circuit keeps the panasonic relays closed for 5 seconds while the hybrid head stabilises, designed to prevent any thuds and bangs when switching on and off.

MC PRO BY MICHAEL FIDLER PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The MC PRO is currently available to order worldwide direct from Classic Audio Ltd for £650 in the UK, €750 for EU countries, and $850 for the USA (import duties may apply). Prices are inclusive of postage to their respective regions, for other regions prices will be calculated at the point of order.

Power supplies for 115V and 220V regions with appropriate plugs are currently available to accommodate all different mains voltages.

HiFi PiG Says: Michael Fidler and Classic Audio are building a reputation for very affordable HiFi.