89%
Lehmann Audio Phonolith
The Phonolith combines an enormously ambitious phono preamplifier, a top-class preamplifier and a reference headphone amplifier in one device. The form factor is unobtrusive, the audio performance leaves nothing to be desired.
The development in the hi-fi sector is clear: streaming dominates - and the vinyl record is holding its own with sales figures that have been growing for years, newly built pressing plants and a constantly growing, enthusiastic circle of fans. Other playback sources are steadily losing importance. At the same time, the demands on hardware quality and audio quality by discerning customers are increasing. Lehmannaudio is responding to this trend with the new Phonolith.
The phono preamplifier section in the Phonolith is equipped with extensive setting options for the impedances and four different gain settings for connecting practically all commercially available cartridges. An additional adjustable filter with three selectable cut-off frequencies can ensure silence in the bass range if necessary.
Headphone amplifiers are Lehmannaudio's second domain alongside phono stages. Internationally renowned mastering studios and sound engineers, e.g. at the legendary Bauer Studios, have been using Lehmannaudio devices for many years to reliably assess their own work. The headphone output is at the highest level that Lehmannaudio has been offering so far. Even insensitive headphones will perform at their best thanks to the Phonolith's adjustable output gain.
The Phonolith's preamplifier output effortlessly drives long cable runs and can be connected to any active speakers or power amplifiers - e.g. the Lehmannaudio Stamp.
Both the Phonolith audio section and the PWX II LZ stand on Lehmannaudio's own 3S feet, which reliably absorb parasitic resonances.
Dealers selling Lehmann Audio near you
Lehmann Audio Phonolith — compact, versatile vinyl workhorse
Lehmann Audio's Phonolith packs an MM/MC phono stage, a transparent line preamp and a discrete headphone amplifier into a compact two-box package driven by a dedicated linear PSU. As Adam Smith for HiFi News notes, the unit favours an effortless, musically detailed presentation with a particularly vivid midband and broad, well-organised soundstaging. The Phonolith's strength is its combination of clarity and control: imaging is wide and deep, dynamics are poised rather than showy, and bass tightness improves with MC cartridges. Internals are neatly executed with quality through-hole components and ALPS control, while underside DIP switches deliver extensive gain and loading options. Ideal for vinyl enthusiasts seeking cartridge flexibility and a neutral, revealing front end, the Phonolith delivers a lot of functionality and refinement in a small footprint—transparent, cartridge-friendly performance that earns its place in serious analogue systems.
Pros
- Neutral, highly transparent midband and wide, well-defined soundstage that delivers detailed, natural-sounding vocals and instruments.
- Exceptionally flexible MM/MC compatibility with multiple selectable gains and a range of input impedances via DIP switches, making it easy to optimise many cartridges.
- Multi-role design (phono stage, line preamp and headphone amp) with tidy two-box construction and quality internal parts, offering strong build and practical functionality.
&
Cons
- Low end can sound slightly polite or restrained in MM mode, with less texture than some more extrovert rivals.
- Subsonic/high‑pass filter is never fully bypassed (default 7Hz roll‑off), which may limit absolute lowest‑frequency extension for some listeners.
Transparency
90/100
The review contains no mentions of hum, hiss or noise and praises the unit's unobtrusive, accurate presentation — suggesting a very low noise floor and faithful RIAA performance. The reviewer also notes improved insight with an MC cartridge, implying the Phonolith maintains clarity at higher gains. Given the lack of explicit 'dead quiet' phrasing but consistent positive remarks about accuracy and neutrality, a high Transparency score is warranted.
Sound Quality
84/100
Dynamics are described as controlled and musical rather than aggressive — the Phonolith 'never sounds dull' but 'remains controlled' even on punchier material, and the reviewer wanted a bit more abandon on some upbeat tracks. It conveys punch and rhythmic accuracy (e.g. bass synths romping along) but is not the most extrovert or hair-raising performer, so a strong but not top-tier Dynamics score is appropriate.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The Phonolith is a fully featured MM/MC design with multiple gain options (36/46/56/66 dB) and a wide range of selectable input impedances via DIP switches (including 1 kΩ, 390 Ω, 280 Ω, 100 Ω and 74 Ω), plus a slot for selectable impedance — giving excellent flexibility for both MM and MC cartridges. The reviewer explicitly notes these load options for MC use and the unit's versatility, supporting a very high compatibility score.
Build Quality
90/100
The unit is described as neatly constructed inside, with focused technology in a compact case and predominantly through-hole passive componentry. The inclusion of well-executed functionality (external PSU outputs, robust DIP-switch implementation) and the tidy mechanical construction justify a high Build Quality rating.
Value for Money
90/100
At the quoted price of £2599 the reviewer highlights the Phonolith's multi-role capability (MM/MC phono stage, line preamp, headphone amp) and calls it 'more versatile than perhaps it looks' and notes that Lehmann has 'crammed the proverbial quart into a pint pot' — language that supports a justified-premium/value assessment. The unit's feature set and performance are presented as earning its price in its segment.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
No reviews found yet
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Lehmann Audio Verified Dealers Near You
Lehmann Audio dealers in the map