The Ultimate Analog Experience
ORPHEUS MK3S
Orpheus Signature is our ultimate take on the subject of phono equalization.
-
Built-in silver moving coil step-up transformer for maximum signal integrity.
-
Programmable gain and loading per input for optimal cartridge matching.
-
Ground plane switching to eliminate hum loops and ground noise.
-
Passive LCR equalization with nanocrystalline toroidal cores for purity and precision.
-
Transformer-coupled output for complete isolation and noise rejection.
-
Choke filter power supply for explosive dynamics and tonal purity.
-
Microprocessor-controlled operation for precision and convenience.
-
Solid aluminum chassis with suspended circuit board for vibration-free performance.
-
Modular construction for easy servicing and upgrades.
The Orpheus is not just a phono preamplifier—it’s a gateway to the purest analog sound. Designed for the most discerning audiophiles, Orpheus combines timeless vacuum tube technology with cutting-edge engineering to deliver a listening experience that is both transparent and emotionally captivating. Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast with a single turntable or a collector with multiple sources, Orpheus sets a new standard for phono preamplification.
Built-In Silver Moving Coil Step-Up Transformer
At the heart of Orpheus lies a built-in silver moving coil (MC) step-up transformer, designed to handle the most delicate signals from your cartridge. This transformer takes full advantage of its balanced differential nature, ensuring maximum signal integrity and noise rejection. For moving magnet (MM) cartridges, the signal connects directly to the input tube, preserving the natural character of your music.
Programmable Gain and Loading
Orpheus offers programmable gain and loading per input, allowing you to tailor the preamplifier to your specific cartridge and turntable setup. This flexibility ensures optimal performance, whether you’re using a high-output MC cartridge or a low-output MC cartridge.
Ground Plane Switching for Noise-Free Operation
One of Orpheus’ standout features is its ability to switch the ground plane to the active input only. This eliminates hum loops and ground noise, even in systems with multiple turntables. The result is a noise-free listening experience, allowing you to hear every detail in your music.
Passive LCR Equalization for Purity
Orpheus uses a passive LCR equalization network between its two vacuum tube gain stages. This constant impedance filter ensures that the input stage sees a constant load at all frequencies, making its behavior predictable and free from coloration. The equalization is realized using nanocrystalline toroidal cores and monocrystalline wire, delivering a level of precision and transparency that is unmatched.
Transformer-Coupled Output for Complete Isolation
The second gain stage is loaded by a transformer, which brings the signal up to the necessary level while providing complete isolation from the rest of your system. This design ensures that the sensitive phono stage is protected from any external interference, preserving the purity of your music.
Choke Filter Power Supply for Dynamic Performance
Orpheus’ power supply features a choke filter arrangement, eliminating switching noise and other disturbances. This design keeps the voltage on the capacitor bank constant, ensuring explosive dynamics and tonal purity. The power supply is shunt-regulated and uses constant current technology for the lowest noise and best dynamic behavior.
Microprocessor Control for Precision and Convenience
Orpheus is equipped with a microprocessor-controlled operation system, ensuring precision and ease of use. The microprocessor manages the switching of relays, monitors the unit’s status, and executes incoming commands. A clean, minimalist interface keeps the focus on the music, while advanced features are accessible through a comprehensive menu system.
Solid Aluminum Chassis for Vibration-Free Performance
The Orpheus chassis is milled in-house from solid plates of aluminum of varying thicknesses, interlocked to form a ring-like structure. This design dissipates unwanted vibrations, while the circuit board is suspended on gel dampers, allowing it to “float” immune to interference. The result is a phono preamplifier that operates in complete silence, free from mechanical and electrical noise.
Experience the Orpheus Difference
The Orpheus is more than just a phono preamplifier—it’s the ultimate tool for the analog lover. Its combination of timeless tube technology, innovative engineering, and meticulous craftsmanship makes it the perfect choice for those who demand the best.
Discover the purity, precision, and passion of the Orpheus—and hear your vinyl like never before.
Available Finishes
BLACK ANODIZED ALUMINUM
SILVER ANODIZED ALUMINUM
Product History
Introduced in 2011 for the first time, the unit featured an XLR input allowing balanced cable runs for specific tonearm/cartridge combinations.
In 2017 a revision was made to the loading of the first tube and the coupling of the LCR circuit allowing the gain a few extra db of amplification. At this stage we also removed the rectifier tube replacing it with a pair of silicon carbide diodes and a better magnetically and electrostatically shielded power transformer. Those units are known as v2. Unfortunately for second hand buyers there are no visible differences between the first and second generation units. Signal path components are the same but v2 has a significant sonic advantage.
Current 2020 v3 has no XLR input on the back and a few changes to the power supply, shunt regulators and components used to push the performance even further. From 2024 all units feature silver input transformer and are marked MK3S.
Reviews
Review by Dirk Sommer
