Sutherland Engineering
Sutherland Dos Locos phono preamp
Best reference-level monoblock for high-end low-output moving coil cartridge enthusiasts.
The Sutherland Dos Locos is a reference-level monoblock MC phono preamplifier, designed for low-output cartridges. It builds upon the innovative all-transimpedance approach, refined through expert collaboration for pure musicality. This dual-mono unit prioritizes a minimalist signal path with a separated power supply, ensuring exceptional clarity and a lower noise floor. It is specifically engineered for low output MC cartridges with an internal resistance under 20 Ohm, offering ample gain and vanishingly low noise for a transformative listening experience.
$4900.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 466
#8 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-29%
Below average
Model
Sutherland Engineering Dos LOCOS
/ Sutherland Engineering Dos LOCOS
Who it's for
- Vinyl enthusiasts using multiple high-end cartridges requiring specific loading
- Listeners seeking absolute silence for micro-detail retrieval
- Audiophiles prioritizing expansive soundstage and precise channel separation
Who should skip it
- Users who frequently swap cartridges and prefer external adjustments
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level phono amplification
- Minimalists with limited rack space or cable management capacity
Performance breakdown
Signal Purity
Minimalist transimpedance circuitry delivers an exceptionally clean and transparent audio signal.
Noise Floor
Vanishingly low background noise allows the finest micro-details to emerge clearly.
Cartridge Synergy
Expertly tuned for low-output MC cartridges under 20 Ohms internal resistance.
Stereo Imaging
Dual-mono monoblock architecture provides superior channel separation and expansive soundstaging.
Build Quality
Robust chassis construction reflects a high-end, reference-level engineering philosophy.
Setup Flexibility
Internal gain adjustments offer precision but require manual effort to configure.
Key Specs
Model
Sutherland Engineering Dos LOCOS
Cartridge Compatibility
Low output MC, less than 20 Ohms internal resistance
Gain Adjustments
Internally adjustable to HIGH, MED or LOW
Stereo Application
Requires a pair of DOS LOCOs
Mono Application
Single DOS LOCOS for mono cartridges
Panel Options
Silver with Amber LED or Black with Blue LED
Type
Monoblock Phonostage
Power Requirements
120 VAC
Features
- Pioneering all-transimpedance approach refined for pure musicality
- Dual-mono design for enhanced stereo performance
- Minimalist design ensures unparalleled signal path purity
- Effortless power and clarity reveal fine details
- Designed for optimal performance with mono cartridges
- Internally adjustable gain settings for various cartridges
- Vanishes background noise with low output MC cartridges
- Reference-level solution for low-output MC cartridges
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Sutherland Dos Locos phono preamp for delivering genuine musical immersion. The core theme is exceptional sonic clarity achieved through its ultra-low noise floor, which reveals startling realism and depth in recordings. Users consistently report significant improvements in dynamic range and musicality, often calling it an endgame component. While the investment is substantial, the consensus is that the reference level performance justifies the premium cost. Its robust build quality and extensive cartridge adjustability also earn high marks. This highly resolving unit truly shines when paired with a meticulously curated system, offering world-class analog reproduction.
Know before you buy
Because the Dos Locos is a true monoblock design, you will need a pair of units to achieve a full stereo playback experience.
The Dos Locos is specifically engineered for low-output moving coil (MC) cartridges that have an internal resistance of less than 20 Ohms.
Yes, the unit features internally adjustable gain settings, allowing you to toggle between High, Medium, or Low to best suit your cartridge's output requirements.
Absolutely. The Dos Locos is designed to provide optimal performance for mono cartridges, and a single unit is all that is required for a dedicated mono setup.
The all-transimpedance approach prioritizes a minimalist signal path and current-based amplification, which helps to significantly lower the noise floor and reveal finer musical details compared to standard voltage-based designs.
Beyond the chassis color, the silver model features an amber LED indicator, while the black model is equipped with a blue LED.
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$4900