ZESTO AUDIO ANDROS DELUXE II - PHONO STAGE

Design Philosophy

The Andros Deluxe Phonostage is created from taking the very best attributes from both the Andros 1.2 Phonostage and the Andros Tessera Phonostage while maintaining its own unique sonic personality. We wanted the same footprint as the Andros 1.2 and many of the internal features of the Tessera.

What’s Unique?

A unique feature of the Andros Deluxe is the use of the 12DW7 tubes in the output circuit. The 12DW7 tube is half a 12AX7 and half a 12AU7. We use the 12AU7 half to drive the output transformers because it is high current and low noise, thus allowing for the most frequently requested feature, a true floating ground balanced output.

It’s Quiet, Really!

The extensive grounding scheme, the circuit design and steel enclosure all play a significant role in the noise reduction of the phonostage, so you can hear the quietest passages in your music.

Circuit Topology

The heart of the design is the new main circuit incorporating the same large beefy MC step-up transformers as the Tèssera, as well as an entirely new output circuit to drive the balanced output transformers. The Andros Deluxe is built with a passion for Analog, designed with 100% tube circuitry and no solid state devices anywhere in the signal path.

Why Andros?

Andros is a Greek island and the home of George’s grandmother’s family. Andros is now the name of the Zesto phonostage family.

Key Features

• The high quality built in MC step-up transformers are designed for better phase linearity. They are also large enough to accommodate all the extra windings and the Mu-metal shielding that reduces noise. This translates to better stereo imaging.
• Independent ground switches affect both the MC-XLR and the MC-RCA inputs and reduce or eliminate hum by breaking those pesky ground loops.
• Balanced transformers reduce noise in two ways, by providing a true differential signal and allowing the ground to float, making the noise level very low.
• The MM-RCA connectors are always grounded to reduce noise from your cartridge.
• The dedicated output transformers are driven by the 12DW7 output tubes providing an accurate balanced signal to your preamp.
• The output RCA connectors have a floating ground and the XLR are grounded to reduce ground loops.
• The tube compliment is a pair of gold pin, high gain, low noise 12AX7’s and a pair of gold pin, high current, low noise 12DW7’s.
• Dual mono circuit which creates better stereo separation.
• A low Noise level of -80 dBv below maximum output allows the quietest passages of you music to be heard.
• 10 position MC load 1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50 Ohms so you can dial in the best match for your cartridge.
• Easily adjustable MC “Load on the fly” without clicks or pops so you can hear the change.
• The gain switch applies to both MC and MM inputs, to better match your cartridges.
• 100% Analog tube circuitry without any solid state devices in the signal path, because tubes are inherently more musical.
• All the RCA and XLR connectors are Gold plated for better conductance and lower corrosion.
• Recessed RCA connectors are durable and will hold up to the typical Audiophile who loves to change their configuration.
• All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust.
• Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA”
• 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
• Elegantly designed 16 gauge steel enclosure to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment

Specifications:

Inputs

• Two inputs, one MM and one MC
• MM Single Ended RCA input
• MM impedance 47K Ohms
• MM capacitance 220pf
• MC transformer Balanced XLR input
• MC transformer Single Ended RCA input. Only one MC input can be used at a time
• 2 independent MC ground lift switches
• All input connectors are gold plated
• 10 position MC load impedance:1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50 Ohms
• 2 Superior quality MC Internal step up transformers
• 2 position gain switch for High & Low output cartridges
• One ground binding post

Outputs per channel

• High quality output transformers driven by dedicated 12DW7/ECC832 output tubes
• True floating ground, transformer Balanced XLR gold plated outputs
• Single Ended gold plated RCA output, with isolated ground
• Impedance 150 Ohms
• +9 V max output level

Active Components

• Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
• Two (2)  JJ ECC832/12DW7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets

Power

• Newly designed internal power supplies using Toroidal transformers, 1 high voltage 300V and 1 low voltage 12V
• Power on red LED
• ON/OFF switch on left side of unit
• Power consumption 30 Watts
• Standard 3 pin 15A IEC power connector
• Voltage 100 to 120V AC 60Hz
• Optional factory installed 220V to 240V AC 50/60Hz

Detailed Specifications

• 2 position Gain switch
• Gain MC input 63 dB and 68 dB
• Gain MM input 45 dB and 50 dB
• Noise – 90 dBv below max output level
• Frequency response complies with the original RIAA curve within +or- 0.5 dB
• RIAA curve is achieved using a passive filter
• No negative feedback
• 1% metal film resisters throughout
• Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path
• All analog tube circuitry with no solid state devices in the signal path

Other Features

• Controls on the rear
• “Made in the USA” using US and imported parts
• Each unit is built by hand
• 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
• Dimensions main chassis 17″ W X 12″ D X 5″ H (43cm X 30.4cm X 12.7cm)
• Weight 21 lbs (9.53 Kg)
• Shipping weight 24 lbs (10.89 Kg), box 21″ X 21″ X 11″ (53cm X 53cm X 28cm)
• 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
• Two year limited warranty
• Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes