In the realm of high-fidelity audio, few components can match the meticulous engineering and sonic brilliance of the Audia Flight - Flight Phono Preamplifier. This Audia Flight - Flight Phono Preamplifier review delves into the heart of a device that promises to revolutionise your vinyl listening experience. As audiophiles, we at The Audio Tailor are thrilled to explore the nuances of this exceptional piece of equipment that stands as a testament to Audia Flight's commitment to audio excellence.

Unparalleled Design and Engineering

The Flight Phono Preamplifier is the culmination of two years of relentless development, resulting in a product that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in vinyl playback. At its core, this preamp boasts a dedicated power supply, custom-designed input preamplifier boards, and a staggering maximum gain of up to 74dB. These features alone set it apart in the crowded field of phono stages, but Audia Flight didn't stop there.

One of the most striking aspects of the Flight Phono is its separate power supply unit. This design choice wasn't made lightly; it serves to enhance shielding and eliminate unwanted vibrations and resonance from the transformers. The result? A noise floor so low it's practically subterranean, allowing your vinyl's true voice to shine through unimpeded.

Power Supply: The Silent Backbone

The importance of a well-designed power supply in high-end audio cannot be overstated, and Audia Flight has clearly taken this to heart. The Flight Phono's power supply is a marvel of engineering, featuring:

• A robust 50VA toroidal transformer for the analog stages
• A separate 15VA toroidal transformer for relays and logic control
• Multiple opto-isolators for seamless command reception

This attention to detail ensures that the preamp receives clean, stable power, free from electrical noise that could compromise the delicate vinyl signal.

Precision-Engineered Preamp Stages

The Flight Phono's preamp design is where Audia Flight's expertise truly shines. Employing a current feedback philosophy, the preamp features distinct input boards for MM and MC cartridges, acknowledging the unique electrical characteristics of each:

• MC input board: 60dB gain with a low-noise, ultra-low offset output
• MM input board: 40dB gain with a differential transistor input stage

Both boards allow for precise impedance selection, crucial for optimising cartridge performance. The RIAA filter, a critical component in any phono stage, is configured passively with 1% polypropylene and polystyrene capacitors, ensuring accuracy in frequency response.

Flexibility and Future-Proofing

One of the standout features of the Flight Phono is its flexibility. Users can order the preamp with their desired input gain board configuration, and even switch the input gain board of the second input at a later stage. This adaptability ensures that the Flight Phono can grow with your system, accommodating changes in cartridge or preferences over time.

The inclusion of a mono selector is a thoughtful touch, allowing stereo cartridges to perform optimally with mono records. It's these kinds of details that demonstrate Audia Flight's deep understanding of the vinyl enthusiast's needs.

Sonic Performance: Where the Magic Happens

While specifications and features are impressive on paper, the true test of any audio component is in the listening. The Flight Phono doesn't disappoint. Its exceptionally low noise floor allows for a level of detail retrieval that's simply breathtaking. Vinyl playback through this preamp reveals layers of musical information you might never have known existed in your favourite records.

The current feedback design contributes to a sense of effortlessness and speed in the presentation. Transients are handled with precision, lending percussion a lifelike impact and decay. Meanwhile, the careful attention to power supply design results in a rock-solid soundstage with pinpoint imaging.

Bass performance is particularly noteworthy, with the Flight Phono delivering low frequencies that are both deep and articulate. The midrange, often considered the heart of music, is rendered with a natural warmth and texture that brings vocals and acoustic instruments to life in your listening room.

Who Is This For?

The Audia Flight - Flight Phono Preamplifier is aimed squarely at the discerning vinyl enthusiast who demands the very best from their analog setup. It's for those who understand that the phono stage is not just another link in the chain, but a crucial component that can make or break the vinyl experience.

If you've invested in a high-quality turntable and cartridge, the Flight Phono is the perfect companion to unlock their full potential. It's also an excellent choice for those looking to future-proof their system, thanks to its flexible configuration options.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptionally low noise floor for incredible detail retrieval
• Separate power supply for optimal performance
• Flexible configuration options for MM and MC cartridges
• High gain capability (up to 74dB)
• Mono selector for improved playback of mono records
• Future-proof design with switchable input boards
• Balanced XLR outputs for system flexibility

Cons:

• Premium pricing may be a barrier for some
• Separate power supply unit requires additional shelf space
• High-end performance may reveal limitations in other system components

A New Reference in Vinyl Playback

The Audia Flight - Flight Phono Preamplifier is more than just a component; it's a statement piece that showcases the heights of analog audio reproduction. Its meticulous design, flexibility, and stunning sonic performance make it a true reference-grade phono stage.

For those serious about extracting every last nuance from their vinyl collection, the Flight Phono is an investment that pays dividends in musical enjoyment. It's a product that not only meets the expectations of the most demanding audiophiles but often exceeds them.

If you're considering taking your vinyl playback to the next level, we highly recommend experiencing the Audia Flight - Flight Phono Preamplifier for yourself. Our team at The Audio Tailor would be delighted to arrange a personalised listening session or discuss how this exceptional phono stage could integrate into your system. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at 1300 308 711 or via email at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au. Let's explore together how the Flight Phono can elevate your vinyl journey to new heights.