ROTHWELL SIMPLEX + MCL

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows signs of wear as shown in the photos. Comes with power supply and original packaging.

Sold separately:

Rothwell Simplex: €180.00
Rothwell MCL: €320.00

The Rothwell Simplex is a Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage that offers excellent sound performance with all MM and high-output MC cartridges. This compact and affordable preamp uses the same Class A discrete transistor circuit found in the acclaimed Rialto, but without the additional MC gain stage. Its simple design and the sound quality it delivers rival more expensive preamplifiers, making it an excellent choice for those seeking high-fidelity at a reasonable price.

At the heart of the Simplex is a discrete transistor circuit that operates in Class A with local feedback, rather than the more common operational amplifier circuit. This ensures high linearity, a wide frequency range, and low noise levels. Developed with over 20 years of experience in phono stage design, this approach gives the Simplex a sound that is detailed, spacious, and musical. Even when the music becomes complex, the Simplex maintains clarity, revealing every nuance without sounding muddled or harsh.

One of the Simplex’s key features is its precise RIAA equalization, achieved with a tolerance of just 0.5dB by using multiple polypropylene capacitors. Unlike other phono stages that use a single capacitor, the use of multiple capacitors improves the accuracy of the equalization and reduces dissipation factor and parasitic effects such as dielectric absorption, as the capacitors act as mutual bypasses.

The circuit design also excels in reducing noise. Accurate track routing on the PCB, the use of components on both sides of the board, and a star grounding configuration help minimize loop area, reducing inductance. The result is an incredibly quiet circuit, with noise levels far below surface noise and vinyl noise, even on the best pressings. This allows the listener to enjoy the music without the distraction of electronic noise, hum, or other interference.

In terms of compatibility, the Simplex is designed to work with MM and high-output MC cartridges with outputs between 2mV and 10mV. Thanks to this wide compatibility, it offers performance typically found only in much more expensive devices. If you want to use a low-output MC cartridge, you can integrate it with the Rothwell step-up transformer, creating an ideal combination that allows the Simplex to handle low-output MC cartridges as well.

The Rothwell Simplex is, therefore, an ideal choice for those seeking a quality phono preamp in a compact, easy-to-use unit at a reasonable price.

Technical Specifications:

• Gain: 42dB
• Input impedance: 47kΩ + 150pF
• Output impedance: 75Ω
• Sensitivity at 500mV: 4mV @ 1kHz
• Output (o/p): 20dB
• Headroom: >87dB (MM)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 24V DC, center +ve
• Power supply: 100V - 250V AC
• Power consumption: <1W
• Dimensions: 60 x 155 x 92 mm
• Weight: 770g