Nine years on from its debut - and following landmark upgrades to Mk II in 2019 and the ‘L’ in 2022 - PHONO-1 enters its most significant evolution yet. The new PHONO-1 LX offers darker backgrounds, higher dynamic range, razor-sharp spatial imaging and a vocal texture so lifelike, the performance feels present in the room.

Influenced by the development of the LunA dedicated DC power supply, designer Touraj Moghaddam realised he could use the same ideas within the PHONO-1 MK II L phono stage.

By upgrading a few internal components - using experience and technology originally developed for CALON and then utilised in LunA we unlocked additional performance without significantly redesigning the PHONO-1.

What is the X-Mod?

The ‘X-Mod’ is not only an upgrade to fresh production of the PHONO-1 but also a retro-upgradable modification that brings existing PHONO-1 MKII L models on par with the PHONO-1 LX . Applied to a 2026 spec PHONO-1 MK II L with the two-way switch (serial number 4000 onwards) this brings the unit to production PHONO-1 LX specification.

Any PHONO-1 Mk II L with the previous three-way grounding switch will have components upgraded to PHONO-1 LX level. The casework and PCB will remain the same.

Which versions cannot have X-Mod applied?

Unfortunately due to certain changes in the design over the years, not all PHONO-1 models are able to be upgraded.

The ‘X-Mod’ cannot be applied to the non-L MKII or the original MKI.

Identifying Versions of Phono 1

A White LED is present on all non L variants and early mkII L

Furthermore, if a unit has a white LED, and a SILVER base/rear panel (around the dip switches and rear sockets) then it’s an original MKII (non-L) and cannot be upgraded. Typically this applies to serial numbers up to 1499.

If the unit has a white LED and a Black base/rear panel then it’s an early mkII L and can be upgraded (serial 1500 to 1759); it will receive a 2 year warranty extension as part of the upgrade.

If the unit has an Orange power LED it is a L variant of either the legacy or current version, and the upgrade will restart the 10-year warranty. (Serial 1760 & upwards)

If the unit has a VBG blue-green LED it’s an X-mod (Serial number starts with a 1 or 2) or Production Phono 1 LX (serial number 4000 and up) and hence is already at the current peak performance of the Phono1!