Icon Audio PS3

The PS3 MkII is built onto two chassis, one for the power supply and another for the phonostage itself. The power supply features a very large power transformer, an EZ80 rectifier valve and two large chokes to provide a smooth supply with great dynamic potential. Two more valves: an EL84 controlled by an ECC83, regulate the supply to feed the phonostage with a precise voltage of exceptional purity.

The phonostage chassis features four ECC88 valves arranged in a no-feedback double cascode circuit combining high gain and low noise with high resolution. Two inputs are provided, one for moving magnet (MM) cartridges and one configurable for either moving magnet or moving coil (MC) cartridges. The MC input uses Icon Audio’s own hand-wound moving coil transformers with mu-metal screening. The PS3 MkII’s output is driven by a 6SN7 valve. The 6SN7 was introduced in 1941 and is still considered by many to be the best sounding hi-fi valve ever made.

The PS3 MkII’s front panel controls include a mono switch to reduce noise levels when listening to mono recordings and a high quality volume control to allow direct connection to a power amplifier.

The new PS3 MkII combines exceptional resolution and precise sound-stage definition with a naturally pure tonality and beguiling musicality.

Every Icon Audio amplifier is finished and tested by the company’s own team of engineers in Leicester, UK.

The new PS3 MkII:

· Is an all-valve MM/MC phonostage with a valve rectified and regulated power supply.
· Has a massive 50 volt headroom for a wide open dynamic performance.
· Is point-to-point wired by hand using PTFE-insulated, silver-plated high purity copper wire.
· Features all-triode valves in a no-feedback circuit with passive RIAA equalisation.
· Includes a stereo mono switch and volume control.
· Delivers outstanding sound quality and musicality.

Technical specification: Icon Audio PS3 MkII

Sensitivity for 1.26V output
MM: 3mV, MC: 0.3mV
Gain
MM: 53dB, MC: 72dB
Load impedance
MM: 47kW, MC: 100W
Output impedance
50W
Signal to noise ratio (MM input)
-88dB
Frequency response (RIAA)
20Hz – 20kHz +0 / -0.5dB
Valve compliment: power supply
1 x EZ80, 1 x ECC83, 1 x EL84
Valve compliment: phonostage
4 x ECC88, 1 x 6SN7
Power consumption
50W
Dimensions (each chassis) (H x W x D)
165 x 148 x 342mm
Weight: power supply
7kg
Weight: phonostage
4kg