MoFi MasterPhono MM/MC Phono Preamplifier - Black

MoFi's Flagship Phono Stage

The MoFi Electronics MasterPhono sits at the top of MoFi's phono preamp lineup. It sits above the StudioPhono and UltraPhono Pro. It's an MM/MC design built around a current-mode input stage for moving coil cartridges. MoFi also calls this a transimpedance input.

That current-mode approach reads a moving coil cartridge's signal as current, not voltage. It works through a near-zero input impedance. MoFi says this avoids loading problems found in a normal voltage-input MC stage.

A dual-chassis design separates the power supply from the audio circuitry. That cuts down the chance of electrical noise reaching the signal path. VU meters and a remote control round out a genuinely flagship-level feature set.

Both RCA and balanced XLR connections are available. They cover both the voltage and current inputs. Balanced and single-ended outputs are included too. A rear-panel USB input is there for future firmware updates.

Precision Tuning for Nearly Any Cartridge

Gain switches across four levels: 40dB, 50dB, 60dB, and 70dB, usable for either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges.

Input impedance switches across ten settings. Moving coil use ranges from 15 to 1,000 ohms. A 47 kOhm plus 150pF setting covers moving magnet. A custom setting is also available, wired through a rear-panel RCA connection for outboard resistors.

RIAA accuracy is rated at a very tight ±0.05dB. Frequency response reaches 10Hz to 50kHz within ±0.20dB. THD stays under 0.005% on moving magnet. On moving coil, it stays between 0.010% and 0.013%, both A-weighted.

It measures 17 by 3.5 by 15.75 inches. It weighs 15 pounds, reflecting its dual-chassis construction.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Herb Reichert reviewed the MasterPhono for Stereophile's Gramophone Dreams column in December 2023. He found its bass "thunderous and lightning fast." Percussion transients, he added, were "naturally sharp-sounding and dramatically impactful." They were "never hard, overemphasized, or compressed."

Greg Weaver reviewed it for Positive Feedback in January 2025. He described "an enveloping and stark quietness" against a "near perfectly ‘black’ background," along with bass that was "solid, tight, and rendered with exceptionally well-defined pitch."

Who Is This Preamp Best For?

• Collectors building a genuine reference-level system. Its current-mode MC input and very tight RIAA accuracy aim for the top of what a phono stage can do.
• Owners of multiple cartridges across different systems. Ten switchable impedance settings, plus a custom option, cover nearly any moving coil design out there.
• Listeners who want proven, independently reviewed performance. Multiple named reviewers at respected publications praised its bass control and quietness.
• Anyone who values physical build alongside sound. Its dual-chassis design, VU meters, and remote control reflect real flagship engineering.
• Not the right fit for anyone on an entry-level or mid-tier budget. MoFi's StudioPhono and UltraPhono Pro cover those price points instead.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Run your turntable's cable into the MasterPhono's RCA or XLR input. Choose the voltage or current input based on your cartridge. Connect its RCA or XLR output to your preamp the same way.

Set gain and impedance to match your cartridge. Use the front panel or the remote control to do it. Give the dual-chassis power supply time to settle in before critical listening.

Pairs Well With

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

• Turntables with a high-performance tonearm and cartridge
• Moving coil phono cartridges matched to its precision impedance settings
• Preamplifiers with balanced XLR inputs
• Interconnect cables, balanced or unbalanced, to connect its outputs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this compare to the UltraPhono Pro and StudioPhono?

The MasterPhono sits above both. Its current-mode MC input sets it apart, along with its dual-chassis design and very tight RIAA accuracy. It's MoFi's flagship model.

What is a current-mode input, and why does it matter?

It reads a moving coil cartridge's signal as current, not voltage. This happens through a near-zero impedance. MoFi designed it this way to avoid loading problems found in normal MC inputs.

Does it include balanced connections?

Yes. Both RCA and balanced XLR inputs are available. They cover the voltage and current paths, and balanced and single-ended outputs are also included.

What's the warranty?

MoFi covers the MasterPhono with a five-year warranty on parts and labor.

See It in Action

SonicFlare reviews the MasterPhono as MoFi's finest phono amplifier:

MoFi Electronics walks through the MasterPhono's features directly:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about matching a phono preamp to your cartridge, current-mode versus voltage-mode MC inputs, or getting the most from your vinyl collection? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.