The PS1 MkII is a fully valve phono preamplifier from Icon Audio - since its launch in 2005 one of the brand's bestsellers, and in Hi-Fi World magazine's opinion a "reference standard". Built entirely on valves, with no transistors; for vinyl it offers what solid-state cannot: better overload tolerance, faster signal recovery and lower distortion - which is especially audible on older and worn records.
Available in an MM (Moving Magnet) variant or MM/MC with proprietary Icon Audio step-up transformers for low-output cartridges (fitted from the start or added later). The signal path takes the cartridge straight to the valve - with no unnecessary switches or coupling capacitors - and uses no global negative feedback, which translates into exceptional clarity of sound.
The design is entirely hand-assembled, point-to-point, on three ECC83 valves, with a separate, valve- and choke-regulated power supply (lower noise). A built-in ALPS volume control lets the preamplifier be connected straight to a power amplifier, and a stereo/mono switch makes it easier to listen to mono records. Capacitors with a Mundorf option, silver-plated PTFE wiring, gold-plated sockets.
| Valves | 3× ECC83 |
| Cartridge support | MM (and MM/MC with transformers) |
| MM sensitivity | 3 mV (at 1.26 V output) |
| MC sensitivity | 0.3 mV |
| Gain | 53 dB (MM) / 72 dB (MC) |
| Input impedance | 47 kΩ (MM) / 100 Ω (MC) |
| Output impedance | 500 Ω |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (MM) | −75 dB |
| RIAA response | 20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0-1 dB) |
| Power supply | 220 / 240 V (117 V version), 50 W |
| Preamplifier dimensions (W × D × H) | 170 × 270 × 110 mm |
| Power-supply dimensions (W × D × H) | 120 × 250 × 170 mm |
| Weight | 2.7 kg (preamp) + 3.9 kg (power supply) |
Fully valve phono preamplifier (MM or MM/MC) - a separate valve power supply, volume control, hand-wired assembly. A bestseller and Hi-Fi World "reference standard" for vinyl.
