ELAC Alchemy PPA-2 MM/MC Phono Pre-amplifier - High-Performance Audio

The ELAC Alchemy PPA-2 is a state-of-the-art, ground-up design MM/MC phono pre-amplifier engineered by the legendary audio expert Peter Madnick. Known for his contributions to Audio Alchemy and Constellation Audio, Madnick brings decades of high-end expertise to this versatile component. The PPA-2 delivers performance that far exceeds its price point, offering a truly audiophile experience for vinyl enthusiasts seeking pure, lifelike sound reproduction from their record collections.

At its core, the PPA-2 utilizes an all-analog, discrete FET gain and EQ stage architecture. This design philosophy translates microscopic vinyl grooves into breathtakingly musical output. The pre-amplifier is fully configurable, allowing users to tailor performance to their specific phono cartridge requirements. Features include switchable gain for each input, adjustable MC cartridge loading, and flexible stereo or mono operation modes.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of the PPA-2 design. It offers a sophisticated selection of RCA or XLR inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of high-end audio setups. A built-in Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides real-time tracking of cartridge parameters and system information. To ensure signal purity, the internal microcontroller completely powers down during standard operation, effectively eliminating potential clocking noise interference.

For those demanding uncompromising audio quality, the Alchemy PPA-2 features a fully discrete, balanced FET topology from input through to the output stage, utilizing a DC servo-controlled mechanism. Precision RIAA equalization is achieved through high-quality 0.1% metal film resistors and selected metalized polypropylene capacitors. Furthermore, all signal routing is conducted via hermetically sealed gold-on-gold relays to minimize signal loss.

The PPA-2 accommodates nearly every phono cartridge on the market. Users can adjust MC loading continuously from 5 Ohms to 999 Ohms. The information screen stores these precise settings for each input, acting as a convenient reminder for your preferred configurations. Additional convenience features include a switchable rumble filter and a 12-volt trigger input for system automation.

Key Features and Specifications

• Balanced Topology: Fully discrete, balanced FET topology from input to output with a DC servo-controlled output stage.
• Advanced Customization: Switchable MM or MC gain for each input; continuously adjustable MC cartridge loading (5 to 999 Ohms).
• Precision Engineering: Highly accurate RIAA equalization utilizing 0.1% metal film resistors and premium metalized polypropylene capacitors.
• User Interface: LCD information screen displays cartridge loading settings and system status for easy monitoring.
• Operational Modes: Selectable Stereo or Mono operation with an integrated switchable rumble filter.
• Power Supply: Features an internally shielded toroidal transformer and linear power supply for extremely low radiated hum interference.
• System Synergy: Provides an improved, isolated power source for the ELAC Miracord 70 and 90 turntable motors.
• Connectivity: Inputs include (2) RCA unbalanced or (1) RCA and (1) XLR balanced; includes 12V trigger input.
• Technical Data: Frequency response of 10Hz-20kHz (+/- 0.2dB).
• Dimensions: Compact design measuring 2" x 17.5" x 15" (including jacks).