Sutherland Engineering KC Vibe AC Phono Preamplifier
The KC Vibe has developed a well-earned reputation as one of those rare phono preamplifiers that deliver a sonic performance well beyond their price range. Ron Sutherland is known for his high-end designs so when he decided to make a phono stage at a more accessible pricing level, he simply used the same design philosophy that he uses in his more expensive models and delivered an absolute gem.
Some high-end design features are obvious even before you listen or take off the cover. The KC Vibe uses a 48V external power supply to provide a huge margin for extensive filtering and isolation. A ground screw is located on the back of the unit to connect a grounding wire coming from the turntable. There are also machined, gold plated and teflon insulated audio jacks. With the cover removed, you will see the signature Sutherland circuit board layout aesthetic. There are five available load settings and also five available gain settings.
For music enthusiasts who desire high performance without entering into higher pricing levels, the KC Vibe is a no-brainer. Amazing sonics with a great pedigree…plug it in and join the vinyl revival!
Features
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- Plentiful loading and gain options for both MM and MC cartridges
- Compact, discreet chassis is impressively well-built and solid
- Quiet, dynamic, and musical beyond its modest price
Reviews
Home Theatre HiFi, Michael Galvin, 2018
I really don’t want to let the KC Vibe go. Sure, it is not the 20/20’s equal, but at less than half the price, how could it be? It’s one of those components that is superb at communicating all aspects of music and it does so with great nuance that becomes easy to appreciate. The thing that gets me is that, like the 20/20, it strikes this wonderful balance between relaxation and excitement that is immensely satisfying. Cue applause.
CNET, Steve Guttenberg, 2017
Match the Sutherland KC Vibe with a first-class turntable and phono cartridge and you’ll unlock heretofore unheard magic in your LPs. For as long as I’ve been an audiophile — a very long time — that experience never gets old. Well recorded LPs, including some I found on the street or bought in thrift stores for a dollar, never cease to amaze me.
Positive Feedback, Maurice Jeffries, 2017
Very, very highly recommended, and a real challenge for phono stage designers charging more but offering oh so much less musically. Go git you one!
Product Specification
Item
Phono Preamplifier
Gain Settings
40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 dB
Loading
100, 200, 475, 1k, or 47k Ohms
Power Requirements
86–260 VAC, 2W universal, no adjustment required
Power Supply
48V external
Dimensions
280 mm (W) × 229 mm (D) × 51 mm (H)
Shipping Box Dimensions
368 mm (W) × 318 mm (D) × 165 mm (H)
Weight
2.7 kg
Shipping Weight
4.3 kg
Warranty
5 years parts and labour (transferable). Valid only for units that have not been modified or abused.
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