Lindemann Limetree Phono
£595
The oddly named Limetree phono stage is an unassuming unit, priced well below traditional Lindemann levels. Despite the company’s high-end heritage there’s nothing in the build or appearance that suggests anything out of the ordinary.
The features set is par for the course too. This is a switchable moving-magnet/ moving-coil phono stage with a degree of impedance adjustment for cartridge matching. The gain values are sensible,
with the MM circuit set at 40db and MC at 60db – fine for the vast majority of likely partnering cartridges.
It doesn’t take us long to get up and running. Connections are limited to separate inputs for MM and MC with a single stereo RCA output, and the power cable, of course.
Special sound quality
We use Clearaudio’s Concept MM turntable package and our reference Clearaudio Innovation Wood/ Stradivari V2 moving-coil record player to start our test. It’s then that we find the first thing about the Limetree that counts as special: its sound quality.
The Lindemann copes brilliantly with the brutal dynamic swings and densely packed score of Orff’s Carmina Burana. It sounds composed when the music becomes complex, but never dilutes the sense of drama or the chaotic feel of the piece. It’s a wonderfully fluid presentation, packed with detail.
The tonal balance is superbly judged, the phonostage sounding impressively even while still adding just a hint of sweetness to the proceedings.
Provided the rest of your system is suitably capable you’ll get an expansive and precise soundstage. Instruments and voices stay locked in position and are arranged in a nicely layered way.
Most impressive of all is the musical cohesion. This is a product that concentrates our attention on the music rather than the mechanics of hi-fi replay.
There aren’t many truly capable phono stages on the market, particularly below the grand mark. If you have a suitably capable deck, this Lindemann is a terrific option. It’s well worth a place near the top of any shortlist.