Company Review
Michael Fidler
Classic Audio Ltd (Kent, UK) builds measurement-first phono stages. Linearity and distortion are excellent, but SNR (MM/MC) sits in a clearly problematic range for electronics, so scientific validity is limited despite strong features and engineering.
Overview
Classic Audio Ltd by Michael Fidler designs and hand-assembles phono stages with objective performance as the core aim. The current lineup centers on MM PRO (MM/HOMC, balanced line out) and SPARTAN 20/15 (MM/MC and MM). The MC PRO is discontinued (2025-06-30) [2]. Official direct prices: MM PRO 900 USD, SPARTAN 20 670 USD, SPARTAN 15 490 USD [5].
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.3}\]Measured/official specs show tight RIAA (±0.1 dB) and very low THD across models, but noise is clearly short of modern transparent line-level electronics.
- MM PRO: RIAA ±0.1 dB (40 Hz–22 kHz), THD <0.0005%; SNR 79 dB (MM, ref 5 mV, 220 Hz–22 kHz) [3].
- SPARTAN 20: RIAA ±0.1 dB, THD <0.0006% (MM); SNR 78 dB (MM, ref 5 mV) / 77 dB (MC, ref 500 µV) [4].
While FR/THD are exemplary, the SNR values are at a problematic level for electronics, constraining absolute fidelity versus state-of-the-art line stages [3][4].
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]Original in-house analog designs (active loading on MM PRO; discrete class-A MC head amp on SPARTAN 20; precision RIAA networks; LF crossfeed; linear PSU; balanced XLR on MM PRO) demonstrate solid engineering sophistication, albeit largely analog-only without digital/DSP integration [3][4].
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{1.0}\]Target prices (USD): MM PRO 900, SPARTAN 20 670, SPARTAN 15 490 [5].
We searched for the cheapest equivalent-or-better products (equal/greater user-visible functions and measured performance).
- MM PRO: Balanced line out + RIAA ±0.1 dB + sub-0.001%-class THD. Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B (balanced, 799 USD) undercuts the price but is not equivalent on published performance (RIAA <±0.25 dB; THD <0.001% typical; different noise spec format) [6]. No cheaper equal-or-better unit found ⇒ CP = 1.0.
- SPARTAN 20 / 15: No cheaper units found that match ±0.1 dB RIAA and ≤0.001%-class THD with comparable overload margins at their feature sets [4][5]. CP = 1.0.
For company-level CP (representative current models), the result remains 1.0.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]Direct sales with a conditional 2-year warranty and manufacturer repair service are documented [5]. Through-hole construction and standard parts aid serviceability [3][4]. Small-scale operation and limited global infrastructure keep this around average, with a modest bump for build/serviceability.
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]The development stance is measurement-first (objective FR/THD targets, practical LF tools) and avoids occult claims. Despite clear strengths, noise performance remains the gating factor versus transparent line-level electronics; overall direction is rational but not maximally realized in absolute fidelity [3][4].
Advice
- Prefer MM PRO if you need balanced line output from an MM/HOMC chain and care about precise RIAA/low distortion [3][5].
- Choose SPARTAN 20 when you need both MM and MC with strong linearity and useful LF tools [4].
- MC PRO remains a high-performing option on the used market, but it is discontinued [2].
References
[1] Audio Science Review (archival PDF), “Classic Audio MC Pro Phonostage Review”, https://michaelfidler.com/review/pdf/mcpasr.pdf, accessed 2025-08-28.
[2] Classic Audio Ltd, “MC Pro Moving Coil Phono Stage” (page notes DISCONTINUED 30.06.2025), https://michaelfidler.com/products/pro/mc-pro-moving-coil-phono-stage/, accessed 2025-08-28.
[3] Classic Audio Ltd, “MM Pro Moving Magnet Phono Stage” (specs incl. SNR 79 dB (5 mV), RIAA ±0.1 dB, THD), https://michaelfidler.com/products/pro/mm-pro-moving-magnet-phono-stage/, accessed 2025-08-28.
[4] Classic Audio Ltd, “SPARTAN 20 MM & MC Phono Stage” (specs incl. SNR 78 dB/77 dB, RIAA ±0.1 dB, THD), https://michaelfidler.com/products/spartan/spartan-20-phono-stage/, accessed 2025-08-28.
[5] Classic Audio Ltd, “Order products” (official prices; warranty statement), https://michaelfidler.com/order/, accessed 2025-08-28.
[6] SKY by Gramophone (retailer), “Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B Balanced MM/MC Phono Preamp” (price 799 USD, RIAA accuracy <±0.25 dB, THD figures), https://skybygramophone.com/products/pro-ject-phono-box-ds3-b-balanced-phono-preamplifier, accessed 2025-08-28.
(2025.8.28)
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