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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.
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
89/100
Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
Build Quality
89/100
Value for Money
84/100
Refined and quietly transparent, the Phonolith lets vinyl breathe with a wide, deep soundstage and a naturally balanced tonal character. HiFi News hears it as a subtle, highly composed performer that handles MM and MC cartridges with ease, while its line stage and headphone amp add rare versatility to a compact, carefully built two-box design.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Wide, deep soundstage with precise imaging and layering
Natural, unforced tonal balance that stays out of the way of the music
Flexible MM/MC gain and loading plus line-stage and headphone-amp functionality
Clean, composed presentation with strong detail retrieval and midband clarity
&
Cons
Bass can sound polite, with slightly less texture and punch than the very best
Fast, punchy music is handled well but not with a fully unleashed sense of attack
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 89/100
Reviewers describe the Phonolith as effortless, subtle, and highly accurate, with a sense that it simply gets out of the music’s way. Its tonal balance is praised as natural and unforced, though there is a recurring note of politeness in the bass and a touch less texture and bite than the very best when the music demands more drive.
Transparency Noise Floor
91/100
The stage is repeatedly described as accurate and unobtrusive, with no sense that it is adding its own character or obscuring the recording. The review does not mention hum or hiss, and the emphasis is on a clean, unobtrusive presentation that lets detail emerge naturally.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
Reviewers hear a balanced, natural tonal presentation with no unnecessary treble lift or overdone bass. The midband is described as rich, vibrant, and believable, though the bass is also called somewhat polite and occasionally a little lacking in texture.
Dynamics
85/100
The Phonolith is said never to sound dull or leaden, and it handles faster, punchier music in a controlled way. At the same time, the reviewer wanted it to let its hair down more, which suggests good musical flow but only moderate impact and snap.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Spatial performance is a clear strength, with the Phonolith praised for pulling detail out of the mix and laying it out in a beautifully organized sweep. Reviewers specifically note a wide, deep soundstage and precise placement, including firm centre imaging and convincing layering.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
This is a genuinely flexible design, with MM/MC operation, multiple gain settings, and selectable loading for MC cartridges. Reviewers also note the range of resistance options available via the rear switches, and the unit adds extra versatility by doubling as a line stage and headphone amp.
Build Quality
89/100
Reviewers comment on the neat internal construction and the sense of focused technology packed into the compact chassis. The physical execution and functionality appear carefully thought out, though the reviews say less about long-term durability or craftsmanship beyond that solid first impression.
Value for Money
84/100
At £2599, the Phonolith is clearly not a budget buy, and the reviews do not call it a bargain. They do, however, stress that it combines three useful roles in one unit and is more versatile than it first appears, which helps justify the asking price even if value is not the headline attraction.
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