MoFi Electronics
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Specs
| Type | MM/MC phonostage, dual-chassis (power/signal isolation, low noise, separate grounding) |
| Inputs | RCA/XLR: Voltage & Current inputs, Trans-impedance dynamic loading |
| Cartridge Support | Moving magnet and moving coil |
| Gain | Selectable gain for MM or MC 40db, 50db, 60db, 70db |
| Equalization | Passive RIAA: Precise parts, NOS capacitors, accurate resistors |
| Circuit Design | Discrete with separate power supply |
| Outputs | Single ended RCA and Balanced XLR output |
| Designer | Developed with Peter Madnick |
| THD | 10mV@1KHZ MM low: 0.005% A-Weighted; 10mV@1KHZ MM high: 0.005% A-Weighted; 1mV@1KHZ MC low: 0.010% A-Weighted; 1mV@1KHZ MC high: 0.013% A-Weighted |
| Loading | 15 Ohms, 30 Ohms, 50 Ohms, 75 Ohms, 100 Ohms, 500 Ohms, 1K Ohms, 10K Ohms, 47K Ohms+150pF, & “Custom” |
| Max Output | @1% THD, 10 Volts RMS |
| RIAA Accuracy | +/- 0.05db |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz–50KHz ±0.20dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 93dB (MM), 85dB (MC) |
| Circuitry | Fully discrete balanced circuitry, servo-controlled, DC-coupled, high pass filter |
| Power Supply | Cascaded voltage regulation, ultra-low noise |
| Remote Control | Remote controlled: Input, gain, mute, mono, meter, subsonic filter |
| Metering | Dual Function VU meters for monitoring or cartridge calibration |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 43.2 x 8.9 x 40 cm (17.01 x 3.5 x 15.75 in) |
| Weight | 15 lb / 6.8 kg |
| Warranty | Five years parts & labor |
Warranty
Sold as an authorized MoFi Electronics dealer by All Elite Audio. New MoFi MasterPhono units include the full MoFi Electronics manufacturer warranty of 3 years parts and labor for the original owner. Contact us with any setup or service questions.
What's in the Box
- MasterPhono preamplifier unit
- Separate outboard power supply
- DC umbilical cable
- AC power cord
- User manual
Overview
The MoFi Electronics MasterPhono is the flagship phono preamplifier from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, the American audiophile company known for its record label, mastering craft and its Allen Perkins turntables. Developed with acclaimed circuit designer Peter Madnick, the MasterPhono is built to extract every layer of detail, dynamics and dimension from a vinyl record while giving you the flexibility to dial in almost any cartridge you own.
At its core is a discrete, fully passive RIAA equalization circuit fed by a separate outboard power supply, an approach designed to keep noise low and preserve the natural tonal balance of the source. Two independent inputs let you keep two tonearms or turntables connected at once, each with fully adjustable gain and an extensive resistive and capacitive loading range spanning 15, 30, 50, 75, 100, 500, 1K, 10K and 47K ohms plus a Custom setting. That range makes it equally at home with a delicate low output moving coil or a high output moving magnet. Balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs let it integrate with virtually any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
The MasterPhono is for the listener building a reference vinyl front end who wants precision matching, low noise and long term flexibility. Pair it with a MoFi turntable and cartridge for a cohesive system, or use its wide adjustment set to optimize a cartridge from any maker.
Key Features
- Flagship MoFi phono preamplifier designed with Peter Madnick
- Supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
- Two independent inputs for running two tonearms or turntables
- Fully adjustable gain on each input to match cartridge output
- Extensive resistive and capacitive loading: 15, 30, 50, 75, 100, 500, 1K, 10K, 47K ohms plus Custom
- Passive RIAA equalization for accurate tonal balance
- Discrete circuitry with a separate outboard power supply for low noise
- Balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs
- Very low distortion of about 0.005 percent THD in MM mode
How the MasterPhono Compares
MoFi MasterPhono vs MoFi UltraPhono Pro
The UltraPhono Pro is the step down in the MoFi phono ladder, a single input balanced design aimed at listeners who run one turntable and want a streamlined path. The MasterPhono is the flagship, adding a second input, fully adjustable gain and a far more extensive loading range with a Custom setting for precise cartridge matching. Choose the UltraPhono Pro for a focused single deck system and the MasterPhono when you want reference flexibility and two source inputs. See the MoFi UltraPhono Pro.
MoFi MasterPhono vs Parasound JC3+
The Parasound JC3+ is a John Curl designed phono stage known for a full bodied, quiet presentation with dual mono construction. The MoFi MasterPhono leans toward flexibility, offering two inputs and a very wide switchable loading range with a Custom setting for tailoring individual cartridges. Pick the JC3+ for its dual mono character and the MasterPhono when granular cartridge matching across two sources matters most. See the Parasound JC3+.
MoFi MasterPhono vs TEAC PE-505
The TEAC PE-505 is a fully balanced phono amplifier with balanced tonearm inputs, appealing to systems built end to end around balanced connections. The MasterPhono focuses on discrete circuitry with passive RIAA and an extensive loading matrix across two inputs. Choose the PE-505 for a balanced tonearm signal path and the MasterPhono for its adjustment depth and dual input convenience. See the TEAC PE-505.
Recommended Turntable, Cartridge and Amplifier
The MasterPhono is a phono stage, so pair it with a turntable and cartridge as the source and an amplifier or preamplifier with a line input to feed. Its adjustable gain and loading let it match a wide range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges.
- MoFi MasterDeck Turntable The reference MoFi belt drive turntable is a natural cohesive source for the flagship phono stage, letting you build a complete MoFi vinyl front end.
- MoFi UltraDeck Turntable A refined MoFi belt drive deck that pairs beautifully with the MasterPhono for a high performance vinyl system at a more approachable point in the line.
- MoFi MasterTracker MM Cartridge The top MoFi moving magnet cartridge is easily dialed in on the MasterPhono thanks to its adjustable gain and 47K ohm loading option.
- Ortofon MC 90X Moving Coil Cartridge A low output moving coil that showcases the MasterPhono's extensive resistive loading range and adjustable gain for precise matching.
- Advance Paris A12 APEX Integrated Amplifier A capable integrated amplifier with line inputs to receive the MasterPhono's balanced or single ended output and drive your speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MoFi MasterPhono?
It is the flagship MoFi Electronics phono preamplifier, a reference MM/MC design developed with Peter Madnick that amplifies and equalizes the signal from a turntable cartridge.
Does the MasterPhono support both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges?
Yes. It supports both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with fully adjustable gain to match a wide range of outputs.
How many inputs does it have?
It has two inputs, so you can keep two tonearms or turntables connected at once and switch between them.
What loading options are available?
It offers an extensive resistive and capacitive loading range of 15, 30, 50, 75, 100, 500, 1K, 10K and 47K ohms, plus a Custom setting for precise cartridge matching.
What type of RIAA equalization does it use?
The MasterPhono uses passive RIAA equalization, an approach chosen to preserve accurate tonal balance.
Does it have a separate power supply?
Yes. It uses discrete circuitry with a separate outboard power supply to help keep noise low.
What outputs does it offer?
It provides both balanced XLR and single ended RCA outputs so it can connect to nearly any preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
How low is the distortion?
Total harmonic distortion is about 0.005 percent in moving magnet mode.
Is the gain adjustable?
Yes. Each input has fully adjustable gain, which lets you optimize the match for both high output moving magnets and low output moving coils.
Can I run two turntables at the same time?
You can connect two turntables or tonearms thanks to the two inputs, and configure each independently for its cartridge.
Does the MasterPhono include a turntable or cartridge?
No. It is a phono preamplifier only, so you pair it with a turntable and cartridge such as a MoFi deck and the MasterTracker.
What turntable pairs well with it?
A MoFi belt drive turntable such as the UltraDeck, PrecisionDeck or MasterDeck makes a cohesive source, though its wide adjustment range suits many decks.
Do I still need an amplifier?
Yes. The MasterPhono feeds a line input on a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, which then drives your speakers.
How does it compare to the MoFi UltraPhono Pro?
The UltraPhono Pro is a single input balanced design for a focused single deck system, while the MasterPhono is the flagship with two inputs and a far more extensive loading and gain adjustment set.
Will it work with third party cartridges?
Yes. Its adjustable gain and extensive loading range make it easy to optimize cartridges from many makers, moving magnet or moving coil.
Is a balanced connection recommended?
The balanced XLR outputs are ideal when your preamplifier or integrated amplifier accepts balanced inputs, though single ended RCA is also available.
Who is the MasterPhono designed for?
It is designed for the listener building a reference vinyl front end who wants low noise, precise cartridge matching and long term flexibility across two sources.
What warranty does it carry?
It carries a 3 year parts and labor warranty from MoFi Electronics for the original owner.
Is All Elite Audio an authorized MoFi Electronics dealer?
Yes. All Elite Audio is an authorized MoFi Electronics dealer, so your MasterPhono is covered by the full factory warranty.
Why buy from All Elite Audio?
All Elite Audio is an authorized MoFi Electronics dealer offering genuine products with full factory warranty, expert guidance on matching your turntable, cartridge and amplifier, and attentive service before and after your purchase.
