Musical Surroundings Phonomena III MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

The Latest Iteration of the Budget-Conscious Phenomenon: Musical Surroundings Phonomena III MM/MC Phono Preamplifier Offers Sound, Flexibility, Assurance

The latest iteration of a model that has repeatedly won The Absolute Sound Editors' Choice Award and been cited as a Stereophile Class B Recommended Component, the Musical Surroundings Phonomena III MM/MC phono preamplifier offers the most flexible gain and loading settings in its price bracket. The California-made phonostage, in production since 1999, also touts discrete circuitry, matched input transistors, and dual-mono signal paths for vibrant, dynamic playback marked by extended highs and weighty bass. 

With Phonomena III, you get 15 gain options (maximum 66dB) and 17 input loading options, all accessible on the back panel via convenient switches.  Suffice it to say you’ll be able to dial-in your cartridge just as you wish. A fits-anywhere 2 x 8.5 x 6-inch (HWD) footprint, sleek chassis, RIAA equalization, and three-year manufacturer warranty further make Phonomena III a budget-conscious phenomenon.

“Sonically, the III has a wider dynamic window, lower noise, and greater headroom, gain, transparency, detail, and resolution, with a new-found impression of roundedness, dimensionality, and density of tone and body. As for versatility, it’s doubtful there’s a phono pickup on the market it can’t optimally match for loading, gain, and/or capacitance.”
—The Absolute Sound, 2024 Editors’ Choice Award