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Zesto Audio Andros Spirit Phonostage
One of the Few
Zesto Audio is proud to be one of the only manufacturers to offer a 100% all-tube analog phonostage at this price point. You will receive the same quality and sonic excellence that you would expect from any Zesto product, hence the name Andros Spirit.
Design Philosophy
Zesto Audio has a long history of producing award-winning Phonostages since the company launched the original Andros PS1 Phonostage in 2010. George Counnas, Founder, and Chief Design Engineer of Zesto Audio says, “I designed the Spirit so it would retain only the essential features of its predecessors, while still offering the Zesto Audio signature sound.” George admits how challenging it is to design a high-quality product that sounds good at a low price point.
Unique Safety Feature
The Spirit has a unique component called a safety switch. George says, “I was inspired by the old Telefunken Radios back in the 50s and 60s that used a safety switch to discharge the high voltage. I included this feature for your added safety when changing tubes.”
New line – New Enclosure Design
The new full-size 17″ x 12″ enclosure design represents the new Spirit line of products in development at Zesto Audio. The Spirit is made with 16-gauge steel for better grounding to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment. Carolyn Counnas, VP, and Industrial Designer for Zesto Audio says, “I wanted our customers to feel they had been personally invited into the inner sanctum of tube electronics, solder joints and all. I get mesmerized by the LED illuminated tubes which bring an added sensual experience to your listening pleasure.”
Robust Power Supply
(Energy Source Power Supply) We named it the ESP Supply because it anticipates the energy needs of the music. Zesto’s ESP Supply unlocks the true potential of the circuit, so it is at ease and doesn’t have to work as hard. It allows more music to flow through with more detail. It also creates a more dynamic presentation, the quiet passages are quieter, and louder passages have more punch.
Why Andros?
Andros is a Greek island and the home of George’s grandmother’s family. Andros is the name of the Zesto phonostage family.
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Zesto Audio Andros Spirit Phonostage
The Andros Spirit marries classic tube warmth with impressive transparency and dynamic authority. Robert H. Levi and Dave McNair both note a rich, engaging midrange, a continuous low-to-high balance and a wide, deep soundstage. It delivers tight, airy bass, smooth non‑edgy highs and persuasive transient slam while remaining true to the RIAA curve. Performance highlights include strong dynamics, internal MC step-up transformers and three selectable on‑the‑fly MC loads for excellent cartridge compatibility. Hand-built in the USA with toroidal supplies, gold‑pin tube sockets and a safety tube‑change switch, the Spirit suits listeners who favor musicality and musical detail. Overall, its musical midrange and value make it a compelling all‑tube entry into high‑end phono replay.
Pros
- Engaging, musical midrange with a neutral tube character that retains clarity and texture.
- Strong dynamics and transient control—delivers punchy bass and refusal to overload across demanding material.
- Excellent cartridge compatibility via internal MC step-up transformers and three-position, on‑the‑fly MC loading (100/250/500 Ω).
- Well-executed build and thoughtful features: hand-built in the USA, toroidal power supplies, gold‑pin tube sockets and a safety switch for tube changes.
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Cons
- Slightly reduced fine textural definition versus much pricier references—some reviewers heard a touch of subtractive detail in the rear of the soundstage.
- Sound can be tube-dependent; reviewers experienced channel balance and tonal changes when experimenting with different 12AX7s, and factory tubes have a limited warranty.
Transparency
90/100
Reviewers explicitly praised the Spirit's quietness and definition (Positive Feedback: "clobbers it for quietness and definition") and the spec sheet supports accurate RIAA within ±0.5 dB. As a tube design the unit trades a touch of inherent tube coloration for musicality, but multiple reviewers noted no objectionable hum or hiss and excellent background quietness for a tube phono stage.
Sound Quality
91/100
Reviewers repeatedly describe lively, vivid playback: 'more vivid and dynamic', 'slammin\' yet not offputting', and that it 'refused to overload'. The Spirit preserves transient impact and low-frequency drive well, delivering a punchy and engaging presentation across repertoires.
Cartridge Compatibility
92/100
The Andros Spirit supports both MM and MC (MM/MC switch), offers MM capacitance and three-position MC loading (100/250/500 Ω), and uses internal MC step-up transformers; reviewers highlight 'Easily adjustable MC "Load on the fly" without clicks or pops.' This configuration gives strong flexibility for matching a wide range of cartridges.
Build Quality
90/100
Hand-built in the USA with toroidal transformers, gold-pin ceramic tube sockets, 16-gauge zinc plated steel enclosure and a 50-hour factory burn-in; reviewers and the spec sheet emphasize solid construction and thoughtful details (front tube window, safety switch when chassis removed). The component and power-supply choices support good shielding and long-term reliability for a tube design.
Value for Money
92/100
At the listed price (~$2,997) reviewers call it a 'truly great value for tube lovers on a budget' and note that an all-tube unit of this quality at that price is rare. Multiple reviewers explicitly say the Spirit justifies its price and is musically satisfying for the money.
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