Analog Gear News

When TALK Electronics talks, we listen. (Or something like that.) To that end, the UK manufacturer has duly alerted us that one of the brands under their umbrella has just released something worthy of our attention, so our ears have officially perked up.

And thus, meet the Edward Audio MC6 phono preamp, which is designed and manufactured in the UK by TALK. The company further notes that, unlike other phono preamps that rely on external power supplies, the MC6 is a fully integrated solution, housing a bespoke low-noise linear power supply within the same chassis. This approach is said to avoid the “compromises” of external PSUs in order to (in their words) deliver excellent stability, improved dynamics, and a low noise floor.

At the heart of the MC6 phono-pre lies an RIAA EQ circuit that employs passive treble and active bass topology. RIAA accuracy is said to be better than ±0.25dB between 20Hz and 20kHz, which is purported to help in preserving timing, tonal balance, and musical flow.

The MC6 features separate, optimized signal paths for moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, which are selectable via a rear-panel switch. (The company also notes that the MC6 has also been developed to “deliver optimum performance” when partnered with Kensington Audio’s new range of MC carts.)

Gain and loading are configurable via internal DIP switches, allowing precise matching to a wide range of cartridges. These settings are factory-configured as standard. Edwards points out that they should only be adjusted by, quote, “experienced users.”

The unit boasts a non-magnetic all-aluminium enclosure, while its back-lit acrylic front-panel logo provides red illumination for MM operation, and blue for MC.

Other features and specs for the MC6 include a FET input stage; S/N ratio given as –68dB (500µV input); dynamic range as 110dB; standard gain as 42dB (MM) and 20dB (MC); standard loading as 47kΩ (MM) and 100Ω (MC); and a 5yr warranty/guarantee.

Finally, the SRP for the Edwards Audio MC6 phono preamp is £799.95.

For more about Edwards Audio, go here.
To find an authorized Edwards Audio dealer, go here.