Hegel V10 Phono Preamplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The V10 is a standalone phono preamplifier from Hegel Music Systems (Oslo, Norway), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY. Winner of the EISA Phono Stage Award 2021-2022, the V10 supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges using ultra-low-noise discrete JFET transistors at the input stage — with four JFET transistors wired in parallel for the MC input to achieve a completely silent noise floor. Gain, impedance loading, and capacitance are adjustable across a wide range, and the unit ships from a dedicated linear power supply housed in its own external enclosure to eliminate transformer-induced interference from the main amplification circuitry.

Discrete JFET Input Stage, Separated Chassis Architecture, and External Linear Power Supply

Hegel applied 30 years of discrete transistor amplifier design experience to the V10's circuit topology. Both the MM and MC input stages use ultra-low-noise discrete JFET transistors rather than integrated operational amplifiers, preserving the low-level cartridge signal with a degree of resolution unavailable from op-amp-based designs. For MC cartridges — where cartridge output voltages can be as low as 0.2 mV — four JFETs are wired in parallel at the input stage, reducing noise to a level that Hegel describes as completely silent, while also eliminating any bias current feedback to the cartridge coil that could affect tracking behavior. The chassis is divided into two physically separate compartments, isolating the power supply circuitry from the amplification circuits. An additional measure: the external AC power supply uses a large custom E-core transformer in its own housing, positioned outside the V10 chassis entirely, removing any possibility of transformer-induced magnetic field interference with the sensitive signal path.

Wide-Range Adjustability for MM and MC Cartridges

The V10 is supplied configured for MM playback out of the box, functioning as a high-performance plug-and-play phono stage. For audiophiles who want to optimize for a specific cartridge, it offers extensive adjustment via DIP switches on the base of the unit. MM users can set capacitance at seven positions between 47 pF and 367 pF at a fixed 47 kohm load. MC users can adjust load impedance freely between 33 and 550 ohms, or fix it at 47 kohm, covering virtually every low- and high-output MC cartridge on the market. Gain on both MM and MC is adjustable in steps of +5, +10, and +12 dB above the base setting, allowing the V10's output to be matched to the sensitivity of any subsequent preamplifier or integrated amplifier. A switchable subsonic filter at -3 dB/20 Hz with an 18 dB/octave slope removes low-frequency turntable rumble and warble without affecting musical content, and an adjustable auto-standby function manages power when the unit is left unattended.

Key Features

• EISA Phono Stage Award 2021-2022: Recognized by the European Imaging and Sound Association as the best phono preamplifier of the year across price categories.
• Discrete JFET Input Stage for MM and MC: Ultra-low-noise discrete JFET transistors at the input — with four transistors in parallel for MC — deliver a completely silent noise floor even for the most sensitive low-output moving coil cartridges.
• External Linear AC Power Supply: A separate housing with a large custom E-core transformer completely isolates the power supply from the signal circuitry, eliminating any magnetic field interference.
• Extensive MM Adjustability: Seven capacitance positions from 47 pF to 367 pF at 47 kohm load impedance, plus gain adjustment in +5, +10, and +12 dB steps.
• Extensive MC Adjustability: Load impedance freely adjustable from 33 to 550 ohms or fixed at 47 kohm, plus the same gain step adjustment as the MM input.
• RIAA Accuracy of +/- 0.2 dB: Precision RIAA equalization from 20 Hz to 20 kHz ensures faithful tonal reproduction from all phono recordings.
• Switchable Subsonic Filter: -3 dB at 20 Hz, 18 dB/octave rolloff removes low-frequency turntable mechanical noise without affecting bass musical content.
• Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Outputs: Both output types are provided, with higher gain figures available on the balanced XLR output for long cable runs or differential preamplifier inputs.
• Gold-Plated Terminals and Solid Grounding Screw: Premium input and output connections minimize contact resistance and provide a robust, dedicated ground path for the turntable chassis.

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• EISA Phono Stage Award 2021-2022 (European Imaging and Sound Association)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hegel V10?

The Hegel V10 is a standalone phono preamplifier from Hegel Music Systems of Oslo, Norway, supporting both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges via separate discrete JFET input stages. Winner of the EISA Phono Stage Award for 2021-2022, it features an external linear power supply, extensive gain and loading adjustability, a switchable subsonic filter, and both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs.

How does the Hegel V10 compare to the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B?

The V10 and the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B are both high-quality standalone phono stages supporting MM and MC, but they differ in circuit approach and flexibility. The V10 uses discrete JFET transistors with four in parallel for the MC input, targeting the lowest possible noise at the circuit level rather than relying on integrated op-amp solutions. Its external linear power supply and physically separated chassis compartments represent a more thorough approach to noise isolation than found in the DS3 B. The V10's wide-range impedance and capacitance adjustment covers a broader cartridge range and ships with the EISA award for Phono Stage of the Year 2021-2022, placing it in a different performance category despite the DS3 B being a respected performer.

Does the Hegel V10 support Moving Coil cartridges?

Yes, the V10 supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges via separate RCA inputs. The MC input employs four JFET transistors wired in parallel to achieve a completely silent noise floor for low-output MC cartridges. MC load impedance is adjustable from 33 to 550 ohms, with a 47 kohm option, and MC gain on the XLR output ranges from 60 to 72 dB in four steps.

What is the JFET input stage in the V10?

JFET stands for Junction Field-Effect Transistor. Discrete JFET transistors are prized in phono stage design for their extremely low noise figures — particularly at the low signal levels produced by phono cartridges — and their absence of the crossover distortion characteristics of bipolar transistors. In the V10's MC input stage, Hegel connects four JFET transistors in parallel, which mathematically reduces the input-referred noise by a factor corresponding to the square root of four, producing an even quieter stage than a single JFET could achieve.

Can the Hegel V10 be used with the Hegel H190V?

The V10 can be connected to the H190V's analog inputs, though the H190V already includes its own MM phono stage derived from the V10 circuit topology. The V10 adds value in this context primarily for Moving Coil cartridges — where its separate MC input stage, four-JFET parallel topology, and wide MC loading adjustment provide capabilities the H190V's MM-only input cannot match. For MC cartridge users, pairing the V10 with the H190V via an analog input is a natural and highly effective combination.

How adjustable is the Hegel V10?

The V10 offers more adjustment range than almost any phono stage at its level. MM users can set seven capacitance values between 47 pF and 367 pF at 47 kohm. MC users can dial in load impedance anywhere between 33 and 550 ohms, or set it to 47 kohm. Both MM and MC gain can be raised by 5, 10, or 12 dB above the base setting via DIP switches on the underside of the chassis, and a subsonic filter can be switched in or out as needed.

Where can I buy the Hegel V10 in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Hegel V10 is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY — an authorized Hegel dealer serving vinyl enthusiasts and audiophiles across Western New York and the United States. The team at Vinyl Sound can assist with cartridge matching and demonstrate the V10 within a complete Hegel system.