MoFi Electronics UltraPhono Phono Preamp

A Phono Stage and Headphone Amp in One Small Box

The MoFi Electronics UltraPhono is an MM/MC phono preamplifier with a built-in Class A headphone amplifier. Legendary engineer Tim de Paravicini designed the circuit, and it's handcrafted in the USA.

It sits in the middle of MoFi's phono lineup, above the entry-level StudioPhono and below the flagship MasterPhono. It's also a different, more affordable product than MoFi's newer UltraPhono Pro. The Pro adds balanced connections and borrows architecture directly from the MasterPhono.

Bottom-mounted toggle switches handle gain and loading without tools, and the whole unit runs from an external power supply to keep noise out of the small chassis.

Flexible Gain, a Genuine Headphone Amp

Gain switches across four levels: 40, 46, 60, and 66dB. Moving magnet loading is fixed at 47 kOhms. Moving coil loading switches between 75, 100, 500, 1,000, 10,000, and 47,000 ohms.

Input capacitance is fixed at 100pF. THD stays under 0.006% on moving magnet and under 0.055% on moving coil.

A front-mounted mono switch and a built-in subsonic filter round out the phono section. Both are handy for older or well-worn records.

The Class A headphone amp outputs up to 8V RMS, or 1.5 watts per channel, into headphones rated above 10 ohms. Volume runs across 31 steps in 2dB increments, spanning a 62dB range. A -90dB mute gives quick silence between records.

It measures a compact 3-7/8 by 1-1/4 by 6-5/8 inches, small enough to tuck beside a turntable or receiver.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Ken Kessler reviewed the UltraPhono for Hi-Fi News in May 2020, awarding it an "Outstanding" rating. He praised its "three-dimensional" sound and "bass prowess." He also noted real transparency for the price.

He was upfront that it doesn't quite match the dynamic contrast or bass extension of pricier valve phono stages. Even so, he called the UltraPhono's adjustability and build quality superior to comparably priced competitors. He described it as "a public service for newcomers to LPs."

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• Anyone who listens on headphones as much as speakers. A genuine Class A headphone amp is built in, not tacked on as an afterthought.
• Owners of both MM and MC cartridges. Four gain settings and six moving coil loading options cover a wide range of both.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. A named reviewer at an established publication praised its detail and value.
• Anyone short on shelf space. Its small chassis and external power supply keep the footprint compact.
• Not the right fit for anyone who wants balanced XLR connections. MoFi's newer UltraPhono Pro adds balanced inputs and outputs that this model doesn't have.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run your turntable's phono cable into the UltraPhono's RCA input. Connect its RCA output to a line-level input on your amplifier or preamp. Set the bottom-mounted gain and loading switches to match your cartridge before you start listening.

Plug headphones into the front-panel jack any time you want to listen privately, using the volume knob to set your level.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the MoFi Electronics UltraPhono:

• Turntables without a built-in phono stage
• Phono cartridges, MM or MC, matched to its switchable gain
• Interconnect cables to connect its output to your amp

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from the UltraPhono Pro?

The Pro is a pricier model that borrows architecture from MoFi's flagship MasterPhono and adds balanced XLR connections. This UltraPhono is a more affordable, single-ended design. It also includes a built-in headphone amp that the Pro doesn't have.

Can I use headphones and my speakers at the same time?

The phono output to your amplifier runs independently of the headphone jack, so both can be connected at once. Use the front-panel volume control to manage headphone listening separately.

How do I set the gain and loading?

Toggle switches on the bottom of the chassis set gain and moving coil loading. No tools are needed. Check your cartridge's specifications before setting them.

What's the warranty?

MoFi Electronics and its dealers don't publish a specific warranty period for the UltraPhono. Check with your dealer for current coverage terms at the time of purchase.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, headphone listening for vinyl, or getting the most from your record collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.