Brand: Heed Audio

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Heed Audio Quasar MM/MC Phono Stage

$1,399.99
 
Availability: In Stock
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SKU:
HAQUASAR
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The signal processing of cartridges is one of the most delicate jobs in amplification. All the more so because it isn't done merely by boosting a few hundred microvolts to a few hundred millivolts. In fact, at this thousandfold amplification (60 dB) the signal must be processed as cleanly and noise-free as possible. The extremely low signal level and the frequency-related amplification which arises from the RIAA equalisation curve applied in the cutting of LPs make the highest demands of the circuit topology and technical realisation of a phono preamplifier.

The Quasar, with its discrete conception and wide range of features, represents a unique bargain at this price level. The Quasar is built in dual-mono configuration from the power supply upwards. There are two separate amplifier stages for MM and MC cartridges, both being fed from their own regulated power supply arrangement. Optimum adjustments to the cartridge in use can be applied for sensitivity and load by various settings of the jumpers on the PCB. The two separate outputs of the Quasar with different sensitivities make it possible for preamps or recorders to be fed via 'Low Out', whilst its 'High Out' can drive power amps directly.

The output stage has huge headroom at extremely low noise levels and, due to its low output impedance and high current delivery, can drive long interconnect cables without any sonic degradation. The enhanced power supply of the Quasar is based around a 60 VA toroidal transformer with low-density magnetic field and very little dispersion. This power, together with 40,000 mF filtering, can feed the circuit with the kind of super-clean current usually delivered only by battery-based supplies, even with extreme dynamic swings.

The entirely discrete conception, as well as the short signal paths of the Quasar, combine the best audiophile tradition with innovative circuit design. This new phono preamplifier makes analogue high-end reproduction affordable at last! The Quasar was awarded first prize for Best Phonostage in 2002 at the biannual "Image Hifi Awards" in Germany, one of Europe's premier hi-fi accolades.

Specifications:
MM input: 5 mV /47 kOhm / 100 pF
MC input: adjustable
Sensitivity: 100 µV - 200 µV - 600 µV
Impedance: 100 Ohm / 220 Ohm / 470 Ohm
Output voltage: "Low Out": 220 mV/100 Ohm
Output voltage: "High Out": 775 mV (0 dBm)/ 22 Ohm

Customer Reviews
5.0 Based on 3 Reviews
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MC
08/01/2023
Matthew C.
United States

Heed quasar combo with marantz pm6005

Absolutely amazing, my marantz has always been very totally rich but the sound on my phono was always a bit muddy. Also a bit flat overall. Got a quasar just recently from eBay just installed today actually. I am running a fluance rt85 with ortofon 2m blue with marantz pm6005. Had the set up for about five months and wow the quasar turns the entire system into a delight. Tried the low output first very accurate very detailed but over all a bit boring. I hooked up to the high output from the mm input all dialed in and my god the wings of heaven open up indeed and things get good very good. Started with Enya watermark got to sound track two after oronocco flow and I was blown away by her vocals, then tried Nora jones in which it seemed she was right in the room truly a come away with me moment. Then i went Frank Sinatra and Sting dealer plays the cards and you can just soak in the vocals and the timber and fine running of each intrument will blow you away. I added the extra push putt on loudness button setting on the marantz and settled into utter bliss. There is just something about the open rich sound stage of the herd quasar that will blow you away. Deep open rich mahogany like sound. I ended out the session with some Radio Head high and dry on the bends album and by gorge the power it adds , when you get to plastic trees he is just standing in the room and it will blow you out of your seat the level of detail you can hear in yorks voice like no other. I then went back to franks (it was a very good year) and just basked in the sun of this man’s voice. Vocals I would say A plus ad for the bass it’s there and it’s deep but not overpowering and the treble and the mid section is mind blowing. Over all can’t go wrong with the quasar!

MS
03/22/2022
Mark S.
United States

Heed Phono Stage

It is a highly recommended Phono Stage. It provides an incredibly wide sound stage, superb bass, clear presentation of complex passages, and perfect treble. It is far better than the tube Phono Stage on my Conrad Johnson Classic 2 Preamplifier. I have a Dynavector 10x5 MK2 HOMC cartridge, connected to the MC input and Low ouput of the Heed Phono Stage, then to my Icon Audio (triode) LA4 MKii Preamplifier, Rogue 100 Dark Ampkifier driving Vandersteen 2CE MkII Speakers. The solid state HEED Phonostage compliments the very wide bandwidth of the rest of the system. It couldn't sound better, and it's cost is outrageously low for its "Genius" design and performance. A last important point, it is the Heed is very sensitive to interconnects. I got the best results using Audioquest Yukon Interconnects between the Heed and the VPI Scout Turntable & Icon Preamplifier. These cables cost almost as much as the Heed, but I consider them an integral part of it. Lower quality cables do not let the Heed present its best performance. I highly recommend the Heed Phono Stage for any Audiophile system.

Elusive Disc Heed Audio Quasar MM/MC Phono Stage ReviewElusive Disc Heed Audio Quasar MM/MC Phono Stage ReviewElusive Disc Heed Audio Quasar MM/MC Phono Stage Review
DW
10/31/2021
Douglas W.
United States

Heed Quasar

This is a beautiful sounding unit. Really improves listening with a MC cart. However, trying to make adjustments is not very well indicated in the manual - online or physical. However, this is a great phone stage.

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