That’s the lot as far as physical features go. There’s a defeatable auto power-down function, which puts the Duo in standby if it’s been idle for more than 20 minutes, and a subsonic filter. There’s a cleanness and a purity of purpose to the way the Alva Duo is turned out – which is oddly, but definitely, pleasing. Cambridge Audio Duo sound quality – Broad, warm character Sadly the headphone stage is a throw-away design. You can use it in a bind but don't be surprised if it has too little power/too high of a noise floor. It’s true that Behringer products can be hit and miss, but we’d call the PP400 a ‘hit’. It’s affordable, and can enhance an inexpensive record player and boost the signal significantly. Not on the top-end of the market, but for home audio enthusiasts on a budget.

If you’re in the market for a quality affordable phono stage, this little Award-winning box is well worth auditioning.As with the original model, the Alva ST features aptX HD Bluetooth, which lets you wirelessly stream your vinyl in up to 24-bit/48kHz hi-res quality to compatible wireless speakers and wireless headphones. It’s a convenient feature that means you can listen to your vinyl collection with a more versatile range of kit, and with no need for extra wires. Re: subsonic filters, there are pros and cons depending on your setup. Some people argue strongly against them. I've used subsonic filters before to protect against woofer pumping and such where a record is warped. It is a useful feature to have, IMHO. However, if a phono preamp doesn't have it, I can simply use an outboard one or a set of 20hz hi-pass filter plugs at the integrated amp input. Filter plugs are inexpensive. Some outboard subsonic filters are a lot more expensive, e.g. the one KAB sells. These things don't "correct" anything - they just filter out the subsonic noise from the warps. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in Reading, London and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door – including phono preamps (or phono stages). Very little awareness of the subject, I would have to be grateful if I could find here an old model from most of the manufacturers I mentioned above. Generally, it’s fair to say this is not going to give you audiophile, high-fidelity sound, but for the price tag, it is hard to find a reliable preamp. The DJPRE II does a good job for those building a cheaper system. 5. SPL Phonos

This is where the phono stage (or phono preamp) comes in. It has two jobs. Firstly, it has the reverse response built into it – one that boosts bass and flattens treble to exactly the right degree, which should result in a tonally even presentation for the audio signal. Some amplifiers don’t offer sufficient grunt. You could buy a new one that does, but it’s likely to be a big upgrade, especially as you might otherwise be happy with your amplifier. So instead, you should buy a preamplifier (or phono stage, as they’re sometimes called). That way, you can get a workable output from your turntable without having to bin off some of your system. Cambridge Audio Duo design – Impressively put togetherRhythmically, the Alva ST is nowhere near as precise or agile as the more capable turntables from Technics, Rega and Pro-Ject. These five-star rivals marshal each note with more accuracy and authority, basslines are pulled more tautly, while also delivering superb levels of subtlety when it comes to dynamics. They also simply sound more fun. The THD (total harmonic distortion) is extremely low, and noise levels are incredibly low, leading this preamp to be compared to some models twice the price.