Arcam rphono
£319
This is a small aluminium-cased unit, about the size of a typical paperback book – and it feels about as solid as a brick.
At the back, you’ll find dedicated inputs for moving-magnet and movingcoil cartridges along with adjustments for impedance (Mc-only), input capacitance (Mm-only) and a range of gain settings that range from 30db all the way to an impressive 82db.
There’s even a rumble filter to get rid of ultra-low-frequency noise that your
record player or disc could possibly generate. All these adjustments are made using a multitude of dipswitches.
Once we optimise the rphono’s various settings for a moving-coil cartridge, we’re impressed with what we hear. It sounds big-boned and powerful, delivering a sound of generous scale and pleasing stability. As we listen to Beethoven’s
Ninth Symphony we’re struck by the unit’s sense of composure – in control no matter how demanding the piece gets.
Rhythm and plenty of punch
Moving to Mary J Blige’s No More Drama set shows up a surefooted sense of rhythm and plenty of punch. The title track reveals the Arcam to have a subtle and revealing midrange, and a level of transparency that’s rare at this price. Add it up and you have a capable and informative phono stage that still knows how to have fun.
Switching to the moving-magnet input – using a Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 package – the rphono continues to impress. As we would hope, the sonic character of the product is unchanged from the moving-coil circuit, the sound retaining all the composure, insight and drive we enjoyed previously. The tonal balance is smooth and refined without sounding as though it wants to restrain any of the music’s enthusiasm. That’s just fine with us.
This is a hugely accomplished box. It’s relatively quiet – hiss levels are low – and capable of matching any pricecompatible cartridge. It sounds great too, with a combination of insight and entertainment few rivals can compete with. Highly recommended.