Michell Apollo Phono Stage Powered by Muse

Michell Apollo Phono Stage powered by MUSE is a two-chassis, Class A phono preamp system built for vinyl listeners who want measurable accuracy and low-noise performance without losing the character of great analogue playback. Apollo handles gain, equalization, and power with studio-grade discipline so your cartridge’s signal reaches your line stage intact.

Key Features

• Class A gain architecture: low noise, high linearity amplification derived from pro mic-pre practice.
• MUSE outboard power supply: toroidal transformer, capacitance multiplier, and dual regulated rails for an ultra-clean DC feed.
• Passive RIAA equalization: finely tuned network for accuracy and natural transient response.
• Hand-matched components: channel-to-channel precision for stable imaging and balance.
• Precision-machined aluminium enclosures: full Faraday shielding and high rigidity to block RF and reduce vibration.
• Independent test results: RIAA accuracy ±0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, THD < 0.01%, SINAD > 104 dB.

Power, Noise, and Headroom

Apollo’s internal power regulation works in series with the MUSE outboard supply to remove ripple and wideband noise before it reaches any gain device. MUSE houses the transformer in a separate chassis to keep magnetic fields away from the audio circuits. The result is a quiet noise floor and wide dynamic headroom that preserves low-level detail and big musical swings.

Gain Stages and RIAA

The first stage uses a Class A topology derived from professional microphone preamps for optimal low-level signal handling. RIAA equalization is executed with a passive network chosen for stability and accuracy. Subsequent Class A gain stages bring the signal up to line level without adding glare or haze, so transients remain sharp and tone remains natural.

Component Matching and Channel Precision

Capacitors are measured and paired within tight tolerance, then installed as matched sets per channel. This attention to part selection keeps left and right channels aligned in level and phase, which you hear as a stable center image and coherent soundstage.

MUSE Power Supply Details

MUSE employs a low-noise toroidal transformer, a capacitance multiplier stage, and very high quality voltage regulators to deliver two highly filtered and tightly regulated DC rails. Keeping the transformer outboard reduces radiated noise inside the audio chassis. The included UK-made DC umbilical uses silver-plated OFC conductors with FEP insulation, cotton wrap for mechanical damping, individual AL-foil Mylar separators, a high-density tinned copper shield, and ChorAlloy-plated multi-pin XLR connectors for stable, low-impedance terminations.

Mechanical and RF Control

Both Apollo and MUSE are machined from solid aluminium billets with thick back plates that fit together as a continuous Faraday cage. The mass and rigidity of the housings reduce mechanical feedback and keep RF out of the gain path, which lowers perceived noise and preserves microdetail.

Independent Testing

Third-party measurements confirm extremely low distortion, excellent SINAD, and RIAA accuracy within ±0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Channel balance and frequency tracking are consistent across gains and loads.

The Listening Room Difference

The Listening Room is a third-generation, family-owned HiFi shop built on trust, knowledge, and service. Owner Michael Hoatson is personally involved in nearly every sale, which means real advice, careful cartridge matching, and help setting gain and loading so Apollo performs at its best in your system. When you buy from us, you get a partner who will make sure your vinyl front end is dialed in and sounding right.

Specifications