Phono Preamplifier MOON by Simaudio 110LP v2 Black

MOON 110LP v2 — a fully configurable phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges

The MOON 110LP v2 is a compact phono preamplifier designed to amplify and equalise the signal from both MM and MC cartridges. It draws on solutions used in MOON's higher phono stages, combining a mirror-image symmetrical circuit layout with a refined power supply and optimised signal paths. The result is a high signal-to-noise ratio — 104 dB at 40 dB of gain and 87 dB at 60 dB — along with increased input overload headroom.

The design is built around a four-layer printed circuit board with pure copper traces, which ensures low-impedance behaviour in both the signal and power supply paths. The noise floor is kept down by inductive filtering of the DC supply, while the electronics themselves are housed in a rigid all-aluminium chassis with gold-plated RCA connectors. Power comes from an external mains adapter, keeping the transformer well away from sensitive circuitry. The unit is designed to be left switched on permanently, as a stable thermal and operating regime contributes to optimal performance.

Matching to a specific cartridge is handled by switches on the underside of the unit. You can set gain in five steps (40, 50, 54, 60 and 66 dB), input impedance of 10 Ω / 100 Ω / 475 Ω / 47 kΩ, capacitive loading of 0 / 100 / 330 / 430 pF and an IEC or RIAA equalisation curve. Correct impedance and capacitance matching directly affects the cartridge's frequency response and suppresses resonant peaking in the upper bands.

In musical terms, the low distortion figures (both THD and intermodulation distortion at 0.002 %) and a frequency response of 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.5 dB translate into fast, controlled bass, a neutral and open midrange and airily extended treble. The low noise floor improves the intelligibility of quieter passages and the stability of instrument placement. Thanks to the breadth of its settings, the unit remains usable even after you swap your cartridge for a different type.

Key features

• Gain: Five levels from 40 to 66 dB for MM and MC
• Loading: Adjustable cartridge impedance and capacitance
• Equalisation: Selectable IEC or RIAA curve
• Circuit: Mirror-image symmetrical layout, four-layer copper PCB
• Noise: Inductive DC supply filtering, S/N ratio up to 104 dB