Ypsilon VPS-100 Valve Phono Stage
Best ultimate sonic purity for discerning vinyl audiophiles.
The Ypsilon VPS-100 Valve Phono Stage is a high-performance phono preamplifier designed for discerning audiophiles. It features a custom-designed, transformer-based LCR equalization network instead of the more common CR type, utilizing amorphous c-core material for a natural, musical, and open soundstage. The unit employs Siemens C3g tubes in its two gain stages and a 6CA4 tube rectifier in its power supply, with no printed circuit boards and point-to-point silver wiring. Its superb build quality includes a passively regulated DC heater and a rigid aluminum platform, offering exceptional sonic reproduction for vinyl records.
$26000.00
More VPS Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
10
/ 898
#10 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+278%
Above average
Gain
39
/ dB
Who it's for
- Listeners desiring a deeply engaging and three-dimensional musical presentation.
- Connoisseurs who value bespoke engineering and long-term product integrity.
- Audiophiles seeking the ultimate, uncompromised analog playback experience.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious enthusiasts or those new to high-end audio.
- Users without a fully optimized, top-tier audio system.
- Owners preferring a maintenance-free, set-and-forget audio component.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Transparency
LCR network design delivers an exceptionally natural and open soundstage.
Build Integrity
Point-to-point silver wiring and rigid aluminum construction ensure lasting performance.
Tube Amplification
Siemens C3g tubes provide a rich, musical, and reliable signal path.
RIAA Precision
Passive equalization maintains strict accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum.
Vibration Isolation
Mechanically de-coupled gain stages effectively eliminate unwanted microphonic interference.
Power Supply Stability
Tube rectification and choke filtering provide a clean, noise-free foundation.
Key Specs
Gain
39dB
Input Impedance
47k-ohm
Input Capacitance
200pF
Output Impedance
1200 ohms
Frequency Response
10Hz–40kHz, –3dB
RIAA Accuracy
20Hz–20kHz ±0.5dB
Weight
55 pounds
Amplification Type
Tube
Features
- Passive RIAA equalization with zero feedback
- Transformer-based LCR network for natural sound
- Custom amorphous c-core transformer
- Siemens C3g tubes for reliable amplification
- Advanced power supply with tube rectification
- Point-to-point silver wiring for superior conductivity
- Mechanically de-coupled gain stage for isolation
- Rigid aluminum sub-chassis platform for stability
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the Ypsilon VPS 100 Valve Phono Stage for its extraordinary sonic quality and impeccable design. Reviewers frequently highlight its ability to reproduce music with remarkable transparency, detail, and a natural, lifelike presentation. The build quality is often described as superb, reflecting a premium aesthetic and robust engineering. Users appreciate the refined soundstage and the emotional connection it fosters with their vinyl collections. This phono stage is celebrated for elevating the listening experience to an elite level, making it a standout in high fidelity audio.
Know before you buy
The VPS-100 is specifically optimized for Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges with an input impedance of 47k-ohm and a capacitance of 200pF.
Most phono stages use a CR (capacitor-resistor) network, which can sometimes sound compressed. The VPS-100 uses a custom transformer-based LCR network that preserves signal integrity and dynamic range, resulting in a more natural and open soundstage.
No, the VPS-100 is built entirely without printed circuit boards. It utilizes point-to-point silver wiring to ensure the cleanest possible signal path and superior conductivity.
The use of a 6CA4 tube rectifier, combined with choke filtering and passive regulation, provides a stable, low-noise power source that contributes to the unit's refined and musical sonic character.
The VPS-100 is built on a rigid aluminum platform with a mechanically de-coupled gain stage. This design isolates the sensitive vacuum tubes from external vibrations and resonance, which is critical for maintaining clarity during low-level signal amplification.
The Siemens C3g tubes are selected for their exceptional reliability and long lifespan. While they are high-performance components, they do not require frequent replacement under normal operating conditions.
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