Oracle Audio PH200 Phono Preamplifier

The Oracle Audio PH200 is Oracle's top-tier phono preamplifier, built around a dual-mono circuit topology with an external toroidal power supply, Burr-Brown operational amplifiers, and high-precision Dale resistors. Supporting both MM and MC cartridges with six selectable loading options and three gain settings, the PH200 provides the refined signal path that serious vinyl playback demands.

The PH200 sits at the top of Oracle's Paris phono line, and the differences from the PH100 MkII are not cosmetic. The external toroidal power supply eliminates transformer interference from the audio circuit entirely. An additional signal regulation stage before the RIAA input delivers cleaner voltage to the equalization network. And the Burr-Brown OPA627AP operational amplifiers in the second stage bring measurably better speed and precision than the PH100's implementation. At $2,000, the PH200 competes with phono stages from Parasound, Lehmann, and Musical Fidelity, but the dual-mono topology and jumper-based loading put it in a class that most competitors at this price don't offer. We recommend the PH200 to customers running cartridges in the $500+ range who want a phono stage that won't be the weak link.

Key Features of the Oracle Audio PH200

• Dual-Mono Circuit Topology: Fully independent left and right channel signal paths from input to output deliver genuine channel separation and precise stereo imaging.
• External Toroidal Power Supply: A dedicated external power supply with toroidal transformer outputs two 15 VAC at 50VA via a DIN connector, completely isolating power line noise from the audio circuits.
• Burr-Brown Operational Amplifiers: The first stage uses Burr-Brown OPA228P op-amps for exceptional noise performance. The second stage employs Burr-Brown OPA627AP op-amps for precision and speed.
• High-Precision Dale Resistors: Dale resistors throughout the RIAA equalization network ensure accurate curve reproduction across the full frequency spectrum.
• Additional Signal Regulation Stage: An extra regulation step before the RIAA circuit input provides cleaner voltage to the equalization network, contributing to the PH200's notably quiet background.
• MM and MC Cartridge Compatibility: Full support for both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges with six MC impedance settings and three gain levels.
• Six-Position MC Loading: Input impedance selectable at 100, 200, 511, 1k, 1.5k, and 47k ohms for precise cartridge matching.
• Jumper-Based Configuration: Loading and gain adjustments via internal jumpers keep mechanical switches entirely out of the signal path.

Two-Stage Amplification Circuit

The PH200 uses a carefully designed two-stage amplification architecture. The first stage, built around Burr-Brown OPA228P operational amplifiers, amplifies the extremely faint signal coming from the phono cartridge and feeds it into the RIAA equalization circuit. The OPA228P was selected for its low noise floor and linear response at micro-signal levels. The second stage, using Burr-Brown OPA627AP operational amplifiers, amplifies the RIAA-corrected signal to line level. The OPA627AP is a precision high-speed FET-input op-amp known for its fast slew rate and low distortion, ensuring the dynamics of the original recording translate faithfully. DC voltage generation occurs within the main chassis immediately upon entry and connects directly to the printed circuit board, shortening the signal path for quieter and more dynamic performance.

External Power Supply and Signal Regulation

The PH200's external power supply is one of the key differentiators that separates it from the internally powered PH100 MkII. By moving the power supply to a separate chassis connected via a DIN cable, Oracle eliminates the electromagnetic interference that a transformer would otherwise introduce into the audio circuit. The toroidal transformer design further reduces stray magnetic fields compared to conventional EI-core transformers. Before the regulated voltage reaches the RIAA circuit, it passes through an additional signal regulation stage that the PH100 MkII does not include. This extra filtering step is responsible for much of the PH200's characteristically quiet background, allowing low-level detail and spatial cues in the recording to emerge cleanly. The combined weight of the main chassis and external power supply is approximately 8.5 pounds.

Cartridge Matching and Loading Configuration

The PH200 provides comprehensive cartridge matching for both moving magnet and moving coil designs. Moving magnet cartridges connect at the standard 47k ohm impedance with 150pF input capacitance and 41.5dB of gain. Moving coil cartridges benefit from six selectable impedance settings: 100, 200, 511, 1k, 1.5k, and 47k ohms. Three gain settings (41.5dB, 52dB, and 62dB) accommodate cartridge outputs from high-output MCs down to ultra-low-output designs producing as little as 0.2mV. The jumper-based configuration system operates independently on left and right channels, consistent with the PH200's dual-mono design. Once set, the jumpers maintain their position without the contact degradation that mechanical switches can develop over time.

Build Quality and Finish Options

The PH200 is housed in Oracle's signature Paris series chassis, an elegantly sculpted enclosure that carries the visual identity of the entire Paris component line. The main unit measures 9.5 x 12.25 x 2.25 inches (W x D x H). Three finish options are available: Textured Black for a classic understated look, Black with Brushed Aluminum for front panel contrast, and All Brushed Aluminum for a premium metallic appearance. Like all Oracle products, each PH200 is built to order at their facility in Quebec, Canada.

Explore the Full Oracle Audio Phono Range

Oracle's Paris phono preamplifier line offers two tiers of performance, both built to order in Quebec, Canada and sharing the same core RIAA circuitry.

• Oracle Audio PH100 MkII Phono Preamplifier - Oracle's entry-level phono stage with the same RIAA circuitry and analog modules in a compact, internally powered chassis.
• Oracle Audio Delphi Mk VII Classic Turntable - Oracle's flagship turntable platform, the natural companion for the PH200.
• Oracle Audio Delphi Mk VII Reference Turntable - The Delphi with upgraded power supply and plinth treatment.
• Oracle Audio Delphi Mk VII Signature Turntable - The ultimate Delphi configuration with Oracle's finest components throughout.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Oracle Audio PH200 Specifications