Nineteen years ago I reignited my enthusiasm for home audio with the e-publication Affordable$$Audio. My goal was to find truly high value, low cost gear. So many of the worthy units were from small “boutique” manufacturers. Of all of them, one has stood out for first-rate engineering, the Serbian-built Vista-Audio. I have mentioned their i34 integrated tube amplifier in many of my reviews, as it’s SQ vs. price point (I believe it was $800 when manufactured) was a steal as it combined the warmth of tubes with the detail of solid state.
Since then, I have reviewed two other Vista Audio products, the original Phono Pre, and the Spark mini-desktop amp. Both are still doing service, the phono for a friend, and the Spark as a desktop amp in my classroom.
Much like its older cousins, the Phono-2 MkII is built like a tank. Vista Audio has once again created something that feels solid, refined, and built to last. The machined aluminum chassis and well-thought-out layout exude a sense of professionalism feels purposeful and responsive. The front panel has only a simple metal toggle switch for power. In place of a blue or red LED, a flamingo orange LED subtly lights up what best can be described as a band around the face plate. A great touch is the labeling at the back of the top of the case of the Power Cord Socket, Ground, and the RCA input/outputs. So much easier than looking upside down at the back panel. It’s not just about sound with this device—it’s about the overall tactile experience, which is something a lot of budget components miss.
Underneath, are the manual DIP switches for setting the proper cartridge OHM load, Output Gain, and Low Pass Filter. Most everyone can find through their cartridge literature, or an Internet search their particular values. In my case, since I use a vintage Technics SL-J2 linear tracking turntable with a P-Mount Pickering XSP-3003, it took a bit of searching, but I found the values. But the personalization doesn’t end there. One can set the Phono-2 MKII to bypass the capacitors via an active offset circuit with three settings: First, No Filter, which gives the widest bandwidth for the preamplifier. Second, the 10K Slow Roll-Off, which many users prefer as it corresponds to the records equalized by IEC RIAA curve. Third, the Fast Roll-Off, which acts as a subsonic filter. The beauty in these options is the ability for the user to dial-in the sound for maximum personal pleasure. For those really wanting to tweak, by going under the hood, one can have the opportunity to have unlimited settings, accessing the R11 & R12 for additional resistors, as well as C11 & 12 for capacitors.
Listening
What stands out about the Phono-2 MkII is its sound performance, and this is where the magic happens. When you plug it in, depending on the recording, you may experience a near tube-like sound that many of us audiophiles adore. If you’ve ever listened to Miles Davis's Kind of Blue, you’ll notice the lushness of the trumpet and saxophone harmonics, which the Phono-2 MkII reproduces with impressive depth. The music feels like it’s enveloping you, as if you were right there in the room with the artist. The soundstage is more expansive than what one should expect at the price-point, offering clear separation between instruments and vocals, allowing you to hear subtle details that may have previously been buried in the mix.
The bass response of the Phono-2 MkII is particularly impressive. It’s tight and controlled, yet it never feels underpowered. Listening to Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, you can really hear the intricate bass lines that serve as the backbone of the album’s psychedelic soundscapes. The Phono-2 MkII doesn’t exaggerate or add any unwanted coloration, instead, it provides a natural, yet well-defined low end. It’s a balance of warmth and detail that makes vinyl so unique in the first place.
Of course, there are also the technical aspects to consider. The Phono-2 MkII is extremely quiet, even during silent passages. Much like Joni Mitchell’s Court & Spark, where the dynamics are soft and subtle, the preamp excels at pulling out delicate details without introducing any noticeable noise or hum. That silent background gives you the full range of dynamics in your records, from the quietest whispers to the loudest crescendos, without any interference.
Comparing it to other preamps in its class, the Phono-2 MkII definitely makes its case for best value. Plus, it holds its own against more expensive offerings. It’s like comparing Steely Dan’s polished, high-production values to indie artists who still manage to make magic on a budget. The Phono-2 MkII doesn’t feel like a compromise—it’s a high-quality piece of gear at an accessible price point, especially when compared to some of the more premium offerings out there.
If you're the type of listener who appreciates the unique character of vinyl, the Vista Audio Phono-2 MkII is an easy recommendation. It brings the best parts of analog sound to the forefront and does so with grace. Like a favorite album you can return to time and again, this preamp delivers that same familiar, comforting sound with just enough fresh clarity to keep you coming back for more. Whether you're diving into The Beatles or rediscovering Dan Fogelberg’s Netherlands, the Phono-2 MkII ensures that every spin on the turntable is a memorable one.
How does the Vista Audio Phono-2 MkII perform with various amplification? First off, Boris Sasic, the American face of Vista Audio, hinted how good of a match their i34 Integrated Amplifier would be with the Phono-2 MkII. Boris was spot-on. The i34, while a tube amplifier, is not typical of its amplification for its budget price-point. It’s more akin to Audio Research in its sound signature. While lush, it is in no way heavy or slow. The combination proved to be a real winner, blending warmth with detail. Much the same can be said for the Galion TS A75, my reference amplifier. The solid-state detail and power really pulled out the transients from vinyl pressings. With class D amplification, Vista Audio Phono-2 MkII sound signature didn’t disappear with the sheer clarity that the amplification provides. The same holds true for speakers, from the soulful Buchardt S400 mkII, the unique magic of Magnepan .7’s, and the crisp details of Audio Craftsman Laval. Consider the Phono-2 MkII a chameleon.
Final Thoughts
The Vista Audio Phono-2 MkII is a phono preamp that promises to breathe new life into your vinyl listening experience, and it truly delivers on that promise. In a world where digital audio reigns supreme, it’s a delight to find a product that showcases the warmth and depth of analog sound with precision. With the ability to specifically match the Ohm load, output gain, and low pass filter, the Vista Audio Phono-2 MkII at just $399, gives the user a level of control rarely seen in the sub $1000 price point.
Manufacturer's Website: www.vista-audio.com
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