We already have some fantastic phono-stages on demo here at our Preston showroom but we are super excited to add another stunning solution, this time from Michell Audio.

Introducing the Michell Apollo powered by Muse, this is a reference two-box phono stage that really has to be experienced. The Apollo is compatible with both moving magnet + moving coil cartridges. With the hidden but easy accessible dip switches you have the opportunity to fine tune the load/gain settings to perfectly match any MM + MC cartridge (see images below).

 

When it comes to vinyl replay we have the opinion that the source component is the most important product in the chain e.g. the turntable this is very closely followed by the phono stage. If the turntable is well-engineered it’s main task is to extract as much music as possible from deep within the record groove.

The primary task of a phono stage is to amplify this low-level signal and pass on to the next important product in the chain, the main stereo amplifier. Michell uses pre-amplifiers in the Apollo that are typically found in professional ‘high-end’ microphones to amplify the signal.

We recommend you watch the YouTube video below, where Michell Audio’s Managing Director – Jonathan Nye who walks us through the design principles incorporated in the Apollo/Muse.

There are so many challenges to manage to ensure all the heavy lifting carried out by the turntable/tonearm/cartridge is not lost or compromised. The main challenge is to ensure that no external RF noise is introduced into the phono stage and Michell achieve this by placing the main power supply (Muse) in a separate box. In-fact Michell use a clamshell design that replicates a ‘Faraday’ cage and this blocks any unwanted noise from entering either the phono stage or power supply. Each enclosure is machined out of two solid billets of aluminium. The Apollo and Muse boxes are interlinked via a high performance 5 pin XLR cable.

All this attention to detail allows the Apollo to output a super smooth signal, resulting in a huge 3D soundstage (front and back, high and wide) with pin-point imaging, almost like the voice and instruments are floating in space.

One huge benefit is the amazing low noise-floor, when we first listened to the Apollo we actually thought is was not connected, as even at a typically loud volume it was still super-silent (this always is great sign of a well-engineered phono stage). This combination really has to be heard and experienced to fully appreciate just how special this phono stage really is.

The Apollo powered by Muse is designed and hand-built in the UK and is priced at £3500.

Full Specifications HERE.

Media Reviews 

We have had excellent results pairing the Apollo with our demonstration Michell Gryo SE + Michell TecnoArm2 + Hana Umami Blue.

If you would like to arrange a demonstration, please contact our Preston showroom.

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