VPI Cliffwood MM Phono Preamplifier

A straightforward path into high-performance vinyl playback.

The VPI Cliffwood Phono Preamplifier is a dedicated moving-magnet phono stage designed for listeners who want better analog performance without unnecessary complexity. Built in the USA, it uses the same core phono electronics developed for the VPI Player turntable and is a natural match for the VPI Cliffwood.

A low-noise op-amp circuit, regulated linear power supply, 44dB of gain, and precise RIAA equalization give the Cliffwood Phono the fundamentals needed for clean, dynamic vinyl playback. Its compact chassis also makes it easy to integrate into systems where the amplifier or preamplifier lacks a quality phono input. VPI Industries

Key Features

• Moving-Magnet Phono Stage: Optimized for MM cartridges with a standard 47kΩ input load.
• 44dB Gain: Appropriate for the output level of most moving-magnet cartridges.
• Low-Noise Op-Amp Circuit: Designed to preserve low-level information from the cartridge without adding unnecessary noise.
• Regulated Linear Power Supply: Provides stable power for clean and consistent analog performance.
• Excellent RIAA Accuracy: Rated at ±0.18dB from 100Hz to 75kHz.
• Wide Frequency Response: Extends from 17Hz to 75kHz with a 50kΩ load.
• High Input Overload Capability: Maximum input level of 125mV provides substantial headroom.
• Compact Chassis: Easy to position near a turntable or integrate into an existing audio system.
• Made in the USA: Built by VPI in the United States.
• Black or Silver Finish: Two chassis finishes are offered, although VPI currently lists Black as unavailable. VPI Industries

Designed for Moving-Magnet Cartridges

The tiny electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge requires substantially more amplification than a conventional line-level source.

The Cliffwood Phono provides 44dB of gain and a 47kΩ / 180pF input load, making it well suited to conventional moving-magnet cartridges.

Input sensitivity is rated at 3mV for a 500mV output, providing the gain needed to bring a typical MM cartridge signal to a useful line level for connection to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or receiver. VPI Industries

Accurate RIAA Equalization

A phono stage doesn't simply amplify the cartridge signal. It must accurately reverse the RIAA equalization applied when a vinyl record is mastered.

VPI specifies the Cliffwood Phono's RIAA accuracy at an excellent ±0.18dB from 100Hz to 75kHz.

That accuracy helps preserve tonal balance across the frequency spectrum, allowing the cartridge and record to determine the character of the playback rather than introducing significant frequency-response deviations at the phono stage. VPI Industries

Low-Noise Circuit With Linear Power Supply

Phono signals are extremely small, making noise control particularly important.

The Cliffwood uses a low-noise op-amp circuit supported by a regulated linear power supply. The design provides a straightforward signal path focused on clean amplification rather than extensive adjustment or features that many MM systems simply don't require.

For listeners building their first dedicated analog system, that simplicity is one of the Cliffwood Phono's strengths. VPI Industries

A Natural Partner for the VPI Cliffwood

VPI developed the Cliffwood Phono as a companion to the Cliffwood turntable and uses the same phono electronics found inside its Player turntable.

Pairing the two creates a straightforward VPI analog front end while still allowing the turntable, cartridge, phono stage, amplifier, and loudspeakers to remain separate components that can be upgraded as the system evolves. VPI Industries

Technical Specifications

Specifications verified against VPI's current product information. VPI Industries

VPI Analog at The Grid HiFi

The VPI Cliffwood Phono is an excellent choice for building a focused moving-magnet vinyl system without unnecessary complication. Its 44dB gain, accurate RIAA equalization, regulated linear power supply, and compact American-made construction provide a strong foundation for serious analog playback.

The Grid HiFi can help match the Cliffwood Phono with the right VPI turntable, moving-magnet cartridge, amplification, cabling, and record-care accessories to build a complete vinyl system.

Contact The Grid HiFi in Houston at (713) 218-8120 for availability and analog system recommendations.