20/20 Mk2 Phono Amp (MM/MC)

$2,200.00
MAP

The Mk2 version of the 20/20 phono preamp takes everything the original did and improves upon it in every single way. Some improvements simply improve usability, some deliver substantial improvements in sonic capabilities!

The new Mk2 version of the 20/20 started with the original 20/20 circuit board. With editing of that file, there were just a few component and circuit updates. Mk2 is authentic to the original. The biggest design advantage came from simply changing the printed graphics on the circuit board. The updated circuit board is used as the left channel. Graphics on the top of that board label it LEFT. For the left channel audio, components are mounted on the LEFT side of the board. Graphics were added to the bottom of that same board file. On the bottom, graphics indicate RIGHT. When used as a right channel audio board, components are mounted on that side. Thus, using the exactly same circuit board design, it was possible to move both input jacks to the center of the back panel.

Other changes, the new ground screw is smaller diameter to accommodate the smaller spade lugs used on phono cables. New graphics make it a lot easier to understand where to plug in the power supply. Upgraded capacitors from Polystyrene to higher performance Polypropylene film caps from Vishay.

Design:
In one compact chassis, there are two identical circuit boards. One for the RIGHT channel and one for the LEFT channel. Each  has its own shielded compartment and each has it’s own power supply. Thus this is truly a DUAL MONO implementation of a stereo phono preamp. Over the years, there has been a steady stream of compliments on the beautifully designed circuit board. It is obviously an expression of disciplined engineering along with an artisanal passion for the smallest detail. Even without a technical background, the care and craftsmanship is clearly evident. The 20/20 has long been the ‘high value’ in phono preamps. The 20/20 performs way beyond its modest purchase price. That aspect is even more evident in the Mk2. Sutherland has been able to steadily increase market share without advertising expense, their success has been thanks to magazine reviews, dealer support and, most importantly, word-of-mouth reputation. Happy customers eagerly share their enjoyment with friends.

Warranty:
Sutherland 20/20s just don’t break. Sutherland has no expenses caused by repair of product either in warranty or out. Their production is both efficient and without stress. They pass those efficiencies on to their customers, making their phono stages a true value.


Linear Power Supply Option

For many years now, switching power supplies have been used at many price points by many manufacturers of high-performance audio.   For adequate performance,  special attention must be focused on two aspects of mitigating the noise they inherently generate.   High frequency switching devices leave a high frequency ripple component in the DC output voltage.   It must be effectively removed.   Also of concern is keeping current spikes on the primary side from injecting noise into the AC power line.  If that is not dealt with, the switching power supply will pollute the quality of AC power available to all the audio system components.

Sutherland has been using switching power supplies on several models.   In our designs, they have worked well.

There is always that urge to make refinements.   When designing the PHONO LOCO, there was an opportunity to try a new linear power supply design.   With no cost constraints or attachment to convention, it was the perfect place to explore.   It delivered an advancement in AC power line isolation, filtering and regulation.  Which, ultimately,  gave the audio circuits the best ever DC power foundation.  With that foundation, music flowed with purity and authority. 

That same power supply approach is used in the little LOCO. Again, performance was advanced.

Turns out the same power supply designed for the little LOCO could also be installed in the INSIGHT and the DUO.  Over the years, there have been inquires about using linear power supplies with those models.  It has taken a while to develop and refine this new circuit.   That option is now available.

Technical Overview:

The power transformer is toroidal for minimal radiated magnetic field.  The already low magnetic field is further reduced by connecting the primary windings in series rather than parallel.  The transformer flux density is reduced to half of normal.   There is still plenty of power for the job at hand.   

The transformer's AC output  is full wave rectified, current limited and applied to a first stage shunt regulator.   That not only gives the first stage of voltage regulation, it also smooths the current waveform drawn thru the transformer.   The usual current spikes become much more sinusoidal in shape.   Thus current spikes are not injected back into the power line or project a radiated noise field. 

That first cut at regulation is followed by several stages of R-C pi filtering.   A passive approach that has been well proven in other Sutherland designs.   There is another DC shunt regulator applied near the audio circuitry.    

This combination is new and incredibly effective.   It is also straight forward in it's simplicity.  Rock solid in performance, stability and reliability.   Nothing fussy about it.  No active voltage series regulators to add their colorations.  No switching regulator noise to deal with.

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