Andros 1.2 Phonostage
Fall in love with your vinyl collection again!
Why Vinyl Records
For true audiophiles, nothing equals the warmth, dynamic range and fidelity of vinyl records. A critical component of every music lovers Vinyl playback system is the Phonostage or Phono preamp.
Why a Phonostage is So Important
When a vinyl record is made the volume of the bass is reduced and the treble is increased. Otherwise, the bass would cut a groove too big for a stylus to read or for the music to fit the record. The phonostage reverses the process by taking the delicate signal from your cartridge and adjusting it so that the bass and treble are restored to their original volume. This common standard is known as the RIAA curve.
The Andros
Inspired by RCA’s vacuum tube circuit designs from the 1930s, the Andros has been engineered to bring you the clarity and depth of the original recording. Your highs will be crisp but not overly emphasized, your midranges clear and present without being shrill and your lows full and firm without being boomy.
A Startling Difference
As we went through testing our panel of audiophiles marveled at hearing subtle nuances, discovering new things in recordings they’d played many, many times. They appreciated its clear stereo image with maximum channel separation and minimal phase distortion.
Hearing is Believing
Words are inadequate to the task of explaining the Andros. You simply must hear it to believe it.
What is Andros?
Andros is a Greek Island, and the home of my grandmother’s family.
Key Features
- The Circuit is specifically designed to provide sufficient amplification to match your cartridge with the rest of your system.
- Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA”.
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes.
- A low Noise level of -75 dBu below maximum output allows the quietest passages of you music to be heard.
- The output circuit is designed to drive your cables and isolates the output from the influence of the next stage.
- RCA connectors are high quality, Gold plated, recessed with an isolated ground.
- Isolated ground RCA connectors plus the Ground On/Off switch will allow you to choose the best ground configuration.
- Recessed RCA connectors are durable and will hold up to the typical Audiophile who loves to change their configuration.
- All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust.
- Two position MM switch 47K and 15K Ohms to accommodate more cartridges.
- 10 position MC load switch from 20 to 1000 Ohms and more in the sweet spot above 200.
- Accommodates both high and low MC output cartridges
- Elegantly designed 16 gauge steel enclosure to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment.
- On/Off power switch conveniently mounted on front side panel
- Easy to read large type on back panel
Specifications:
Inputs per channel
- Separate MM and MC inputs
- MM/MC switch
- MM impedance switch 47K or 15K Ohms
- MM capacitance 200pf
- MC Single Ended RCA with isolated ground or Balanced XLR3F
- MC ground on/off switch
- MC load impedance adjustable 1000, 800, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50, 20 Ohms
- MC Internal step up transformers
- MC High/Low switch with ~ -3dB gain for high output MC cartridges
Outputs per channel
- Impedance 10K ohms
- +6V max output level
Active Components
- Four (4) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
Power
- Ground binding post
- Power consumption 27W , 0 drain when off
- Voltage 110/120V AC 60Hz
- Optional factory installed 220V or 230/240V AC 50/60Hz
- Standard 3 pin IEC power connector
- ON/OFF power switch conveniently located on the front side
- Two internal high quality linear regulated power supplies, 250V and 12V
Detailed Specifications
- Gain MM input 47dB
- Gain MC input 67dB
- Noise – 75dBu below max output level
- Frequency response complies with the original RIAA curve within +or- 0.5 dB
- RIAA curve is achieved using a passive filter
- 1% metal film resisters throughout
- Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path
Other Features
- “Made in the USA” using US and imported parts
- Each unit is built by hand
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
- Dimensions 17″ W X 12″ D X 5″ H
- Weight 20 lbs.
- 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
- Two year limited warranty
- Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes
The Best of the Best! Andros 1.2 Phonostage
The 12th Annual PFO Writers’ Choice Awards for 2015 by Mark Pearson
“The Andros 1.2 just does everything right. It is dynamic, it has gorgeous tonal colors, it throws a big and deep soundstage, and it’s super quiet. .” Read about the award
Andros 1.2 Phonostage
Mark Pearson – Positive Feedback – August 11th 2015
“I have had lots of phono sections in my system(s) over the years, but I have never had one this good or this quiet.” Read entire review
Andros 1.2 Phonostage- Positive-Feedback Online – April 2015…..
Robert H. Levi
“The new Zesto Audio Andros 1.2 Phonostage Preamplifier clobbers the original, and may just be the best piece of audio gear designed by George Counnas to date. ” Read entire review
THE ABSOLUTE SOUND BUYER’S GUIDE TO ELECTRONICS 2015
Download the guide scroll to see Zesto Audio on pages 74, 75 and 76.
Zesto Audio Andros phono preamp
Stereophile gives the Andros Phonostage a 2013 Class A Rating
Michael Fremer – Stereophile Analog Corner – March 2013
“…The Zesto had an addictive, warm overall sound, with plenty of impact, detail and grace. It’s among the more enjoyable and satisfying phono preamplifiers I’ve auditioned at any price …”
Andros Phonostage PS1
TONEAudio – September 2012 Jeff Dorgay
“After a solid month of intense audition, the Zesto Andros PS1 exhibits no weaknesses whatsoever. While it has a beautiful visual aesthetic, it continues to be a joy to listen to and is ultimately musical. With many audiophiles on a quest for gear that is increasingly more resolving, it might be easy to overlook the Andros PS1, but truly wise LP lovers will treasure the Zesto because the balance is just right. Much like a car with perfect 50/50 weight balance, along with equal amounts of stop and go, the Andros PS1 doesn’t maximize any one parameter at the sake of another and that is its magic.”
Andros PS-1
Reviewed by Paul Seydor – The Absolute Sound – April 2012
“Its sound is unbelievably smooth and velvety; harmonically rich, full, and vividly textured; marvelously rounded, tactile, and dimensional, with great body and solidity; and completely natural in its musicality and freedom from any of the usual sonic hype, audiophile style.”
2012 Buyers Guide to Vinyl Playback – The Absolute Sound
Read entire review scroll to page 80 and 103 for editors top picks.
Andros PS1
Reviewed by Ray Seda – Dagogo – March 2012
“The sweetness and delicate nature of the Zesto Andros PS1’s delivery in the midrange and highs are almost counter-intuitive to its ability to also very competently amplify and deliver the sheer, explosive low frequency energy and dynamics that the record playback system sends to it.”
Andros Phonostage
Reviewed by Michael Peshkin – StereoMojo – Jan 2012
“If you have a significant investment in vinyl and an analog front end that merits the best of the best phono preamps, you should by all means audition the Zesto Andros. At its price, its performance competes with much more expensive units. In appearance and sexiness, there’s nothing that comes close.”
Zesto Andros PS-1
Reviewed by Dr. John Richardson – StereoMojo – Jan 2012
“It’s physically beautiful, adaptable to many different cartridges by merely accessing the switches on the back panel, and most importantly, it will do real sonic justice to your valuable vinyl collection.”
Andros
Robert H. Levi – Positive-Feedback Online – November 2011
“As a brand-new company whose first product is a made-in-America phono stage, Zesto has introduced a break-out product and brought to market a winner! Their Andros tube phono stage sports tons of flexibility with bold musicality at an unheard of price point for this level of performance. I am shocked by what they have managed to include for the audiophile under $4000! Plus, the Andros is a world beater in quietude, a wonderful attribute for a phono section. I wish more designers paid attention to this when they design phono stages, particularly tube designers.
I think that you will love the sense of reality the Andros delivers; in addition, the flexibility of its controls, all placed externally for a change, are similar to units costing $10,000. Soundstaging is extraordinary, too. The Andros both over-delivers and under-prices the competition. If you need a phono stage, I wouldn’t wait for the price to go up on this beauty. It begs the question, why spend more than the cost of the Zesto Andros PS1? The Andros receives my highest recommendation and top-choice rating for a phono stage anywhere near this price!”
| Please note that this is not a complete list. This list is based on a survey of Zesto Audio dealers and customers. The other components of their system was not part of the survey. | |||
| MC Moving Coil | |||
| Manufacturer | Model | MC load range in Ohms | |
| AMG | Teatro | 200 | 400 |
| Benz Micro | LPS | 400 | 800 |
| Benz Micro | Gullwing | 400 | 600 |
| Clearaudio | Concept MC | 100 | |
| Clearaudio | Concerto | 400 | 500 |
| Clearaudio | da Vinci | 100 | |
| Dynavector | XX MK II | 200 | 400 |
| Dynavector | XV1S | 300 | 400 |
| Dynavector | 20x2L | 50 | 100 |
| Ikeda | 9TT | 100 | 100 |
| Koestu | Urishi Blue | 50 | 200 |
| Koestu | Rosewood Signature | 50 | 200 |
| Koestu | Black | 50 | 200 |
| Lyra | Etna | 100 | 200 |
| Lyra | Kleos | 100 | 200 |
| Lyra | Atlas | 100 | 300 |
| Lyra | Titan | 100 | 200 |
| Lyra | Delos | 100 | 200 |
| Miyajima | Shiliba | 100 | |
| Miyajima | Kansui | 50 | 200 |
| Ortofon | Cadenza Black | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Cadenza Blue | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Cadenza Red | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Cadenza Mono | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Quintet Red | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Quintet Bronze | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | SPU | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Royal GM MK II | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | Meister Silver | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | 90th Anniversary | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | 95th Anniversary | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | GME MK II | 20 | 100 |
| Ortofon | CG 25 Mono | 20 | 100 |
| Shelter | Harmony | 100 | |
| Shelter | 501 MK III | 500 | |
| Shelter | 502 MK II | 100 | |
| Transfiguration | Axia II | 200 | |
| MM Moving Magnet and Moving Iron | |||
| Clear Audio | Virtruoso V2 Ebony | 47K | |
| Grado | 47K | ||
| Ortofon | 2M Black | 47K | |
| Ortofon | 2M Bronze | 47K | |
| Ortofon | 2M Blue | 47K | |
| Ortofon | Mono | 47K | |
| Grado | Moving Iron-Platnium Signature | 1000 | |
Andros Deluxe Phonostage
Zesto’s newest phonostage!
Design Philosophy
The Andros Deluxe Phonostage is created from taking the very best attributes from both the Andros 1.2 Phonostage and the Andros Tessera Phonostage while maintaining its own unique sonic personality. We wanted the same footprint as the Andros 1.2 and many of the internal features of the Tessera.
What’s Unique?
A unique feature of the Andros Deluxe is the use of the 12DW7 tubes in the output circuit. The 12DW7 tube is half a 12AX7 and half a 12AU7. We use the 12AU7 half to drive the output transformers because it is high current and low noise, thus allowing for the most frequently requested feature, a true floating ground balanced output.
It’s Quiet, Really!
The extensive grounding scheme, the circuit design and steel enclosure all play a significant role in the noise reduction of the phonostage, so you can hear the quietest passages in your music.
Circuit Topography
The heart of the design is the new main circuit incorporating the same large beefy MC step-up transformers as the Tèssera, as well as an entirely new output circuit to drive the balanced output transformers. The Andros Deluxe is built with a passion for Analog, designed with 100% tube circuitry and no solid state devices anywhere in the signal path.
Why Andros?
Andros is a Greek island and the home of George’s grandmother’s family. Andros is now the name of the Zesto phonostage family.
Key Features
- The high quality built in MC step-up transformers are designed for better phase linearity. They are also large enough to accommodate all the extra windings and the Mu-metal shielding that reduces noise. This translates to better stereo imaging.
- Independent ground switches affect both the MC-XLR and the MC-RCA inputs and reduce or eliminate hum by breaking those pesky ground loops.
- Balanced transformers reduce noise in two ways, by providing a true differential signal and allowing the ground to float, making the noise level very low.
- The MM-RCA connectors are always grounded to reduce noise from your cartridge.
- The dedicated output transformers are driven by the 12DW7 output tubes providing an accurate balanced signal to your preamp.
- The output RCA connectors have a floating ground and the XLR are grounded to reduce ground loops.
- The tube compliment is a pair of gold pin, high gain, low noise 12AX7’s and a pair of gold pin, high current, low noise 12DW7’s.
- Dual mono circuit which creates better stereo separation.
- A low Noise level of -80 dBv below maximum output allows the quietest passages of you music to be heard.
- 10 position MC load 1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50 Ohms so you can dial in the best match for your cartridge.
- Easily adjustable MC “Load on the fly” without klicks or pops so you can hear the change.
- The gain switch applies to both MC and MM inputs, to better match your cartridges.
- 100% Analog tube circuitry without any solid state devices in the signal path, because tubes are inherently more musical.
- All the RCA and XLR connectors are Gold plated for better conductance and lower corrosion.
- Recessed RCA connectors are durable and will hold up to the typical Audiophile who loves to change their configuration.
- All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust.
- Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA”
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
- Elegantly designed 16 gauge steel enclosure to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment
Specifications:
Inputs
- Two inputs, one MM and one MC
- MM Single Ended RCA input
- MM impedance 47K Ohms
- MM capacitance 220pf
- MC transformer Balanced XLR input
- MC transformer Single Ended RCA input. Only one MC input can be used at a time
- 2 independent MC ground lift switches
- All input connectors are gold plated
- 10 position MC load impedance:1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 50 Ohms
- 2 Superior quality MC Internal step up transformers
- 2 position gain switch for High & Low output cartridges
- One ground binding post
Outputs per channel
- High quality output transformers driven by dedicated 12DW7/ECC832 output tubes
- True floating ground, transformer Balanced XLR gold plated outputs
- Single Ended gold plated RCA output, with isolated ground
- Impedance 150 Ohms
- +7 V max output level
Active Components
- Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
- Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC832/12DW7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
Power
- 2 internal linear regulated power supplies, 1 high voltage 250V and 1 low voltage 12V
- Power on red LED
- ON/OFF switch on left side of unit
- Power consumption 28 Watts
- Standard 3 pin 15A IEC power connector
- Voltage 110/120V AC 60Hz
- Optional factory installed 220V or 230/240V AC 50/60Hz
Detailed Specifications
- 2 position Gain switch
- Gain MC input 63 dB and 68 dB
- Gain MM input 45 dB and 50 dB
- Noise – 80 dBv below max output level
- Frequency response complies with the original RIAA curve within +or- 0.5 dB
- RIAA curve is achieved using a passive filter
- No negative feedback
- 1% metal film resisters throughout
- Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path
- All analog tube circuitry with no solid state devices in the signal path
Other Features
- Controls on the rear
- “Made in the USA” using US and imported parts
- Each unit is built by hand
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
- Dimensions main chassis 17″ W X 12″ D X 5″ H (43cm X 30.4cm X 12.7cm)
- Weight 21 lbs (9.53 Kg)
- Shipping weight 24 lbs (10.89 Kg), box 21″ X 21″ X 11″ (53cm X 53cm X 28cm)
- 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
- Two year limited warranty
- Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes
World Premiere Review: Andros Deluxe Vacuum Tube Phonostage from Zesto Audio
“The Andros Deluxe Vacuum Tube Phono Stage from Zesto Audio is one of five, or maybe six, top phono stages I have ever auditioned. With its ultra-black background, excellent flexibility, and suave presentation, it is exactly the kind of phono stage that floats my boat. I am sure it is one of two or three tube phono stages that clearly compete for gain, definition, quietness, and neutrality, compared to the multi-box solid state beasts roaming the planet right now in the mega-buck price range.
George Counnas is as clever as he is a genius. The Andros Deluxe, with its unique tube selection, clearly produces the passion contained in the musical performance itself. The Deluxe belongs at the top of your short shopping list now, and for years to come.”
Bob Levi | Positive Feedback | Nov. 26, 2018
Watch the video to learn about the Andros Deluxe
“I’ve always loved designing Phonostages, but now you can really hear the passion.”
Andros Téssera Phonostage
Four of the most musical phonostages in one!
What is Téssera?
Téssera means 4 in Greek. This newest product from Zesto Audio is aptly named as it is designed to work with up to 4 different tonearms or turntables. Andros is a Greek island and the home of George’s grandmother’s family.
Design Philosophy
George Counnas, President and Design Engineer for Zesto Audio says, “There are so many great specialized phono cartridges available today, I wanted to design a phonostage that was easy to use, while providing the necessary inputs to accommodate multiple tonearms and be able to save the settings when you switch between channels.”
Building on the success of Zesto’s original Andros Phonostage, George wanted to take it further, not only sonically but with more features resulting in a quieter, fuller and more dynamic sound.
What’s the Most Requested New Feature?
True floating balanced outputs. These high quality transformer balanced outputs are driven by dedicated output tubes.
Circuit Topography
The Andros Téssera is built with a passion for Analog, designed with 100% tube circuitry and no solid state devices anywhere in the signal path, as well as all the switching is done with reed relays. This phonostage has a new circuit design that is partnered with significantly upgraded larger MC step-up transformers to capture the most delicate signals in the grooves.
Key Features
- Two completely independent dual mono channels, with LED indicators for A and B
- Accommodates 4 tonearms, 1 MM and 1 MC per channel
- All settings are saved when you switch between channels
- Dual chassis with external power supply
- 3 meter umbilical cable incorporating special RFI suppression to provide lower black levels
- Dedicated high quality output transformers drivin by output tubes
- True floating ground, transformer balanced XLR inputs and outputs
- 12 position MC load per channel with more finessed adjustable options like 1000, 800, 700, 500, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50 Ohms
- Easily adjustable MC “Load on the fly” without klicks or pops so you can hear the change
- 100% tube circuitry in the signal path without any solid state devices
- All switching is done with relays
- Ground lift switches are on each channel to prevent noisy ground loops
- All the RCA and XLR connectors are Gold plated for better conductance and lower corrosion
- All switches and knobs are easily accessible, nothing hidden inside to adjust
- Recessed RCA connectors are durable and will hold up to the typical Audiophile who loves to change their configuration
- Elegantly designed 16 gauge steel enclosure to help isolate the electronic “chatter” from nearby equipment
- Each unit is hand built “Made in the USA”
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
Specifications:
Inputs per Channel
- Two completely independent dual mono channels, A and B with LED indicator
- Accommodates 4 tonearms, 2 per channel
- Separate MM and MC inputs per channel
- Each channel has independent controls and all selections are saved when you switch between channels
- Selection switch for MC and 2 position MM 47K and MM 68K
- MM impedance switch 47K or 68K Ohms
- MM capacitance 220pf
- MC transformer Balanced gold plated XLR input
- MM and MC Single Ended RCA input, gold plated with isolated ground
- 4 MC ground on/off switch
- 12 position MC load impedance:1000, 800, 700, 500, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50 Ohms
- 4 Superior quality MC Internal step up transformers
- 3 position MC gain switch for High, Medium & Low output cartridges
- Two ground binding posts
Outputs per channel
- High quality output transformers driven by dedicated 12AU7/ECC82 output tubes
- True floating ground, transformer Balanced XLR gold plated outputs
- Single Ended gold plated RCA output, with isolated ground
- Impedance 150 Ohms
- +8V max output level
Active Components
- Four (4) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
- Two (2) Gold pin JJ ECC82/12AU7 vacuum tubes with high quality gold pin ceramic sockets
Power
- Dual chassis
- Power supply with 3 meter DC umbilical cable incorporating special RFI suppression
- Locking bayonet connector rated for higher voltage and higher current
- 3 internal linear regulated power supplies, 1 high voltage 250V and 2 low voltage 12V
- Power supply dual color LED, yellow for standby and red for ON
- Main unit push ON/OFF front power switch illuminates a red LED on Channel A or B
- Power supply standby switch on the front
- Power supply standby power rating 7 Watts
- Power consumption 52 Watts
- Standard 3 pin 15A IEC power connector on power supply
- Voltage 110/120V AC 60Hz
- Optional factory installed 220V or 230/240V AC 50/60Hz
Detailed Specifications
- 3 position Gain switch
- MC input 60dB, 65dB and 70dB or MM input 40dB, 45dB and 50dB
- Noise – 90 dBu below max output level
- Frequency response complies with the original RIAA curve within +or- 0.5 dB
- RIAA curve is achieved using a passive filter
- 1% metal film resisters throughout
- Polypropylene capacitors throughout the audio path
- All analog tube circuitry with no solid state devices in the signal path
Other Features
- Controls on the front
- “Made in the USA” using US and imported parts
- Each unit is built by hand
- 50 hour factory burn in on all circuits and vacuum tubes
- Dimensions main chassis 17″ W X 15″ D X 5.5″ H, Power Supply 17”W x 8”D x 5”H
- Weight: Main unit 25 lbs (11.34 Kg), Power supply 17 lbs (7.7 Kg)
- Shipping weight 53 lbs (24 Kg), box 20″ X 20″ X 20″
- 16 gauge zinc plated steel enclosure
- Two year limited warranty
- Six months warranty on Vacuum Tubes
Zesto Audio Andros Téssera Phonostage: Quadruple Your Input
“…the Zesto Audio Andros Téssera phonostage embodied a certain level of surefooted calmness. Easy to operate in daily use, it appeared to be a quiet and solidly designed piece of electronics. It didn’t seem to give any more than it took from the cartridge by adding something obtrusive to the signal. It was warm and full-bodied in a preferred way, but there was nothing thick or sluggish about it—the sound retained timing and pacing along with its portrayal of musical content. With the capability to connect up to four tonearm/cartridge combinations, the user has the option to quadruple his analog front-end input choices for musical playback from a single phonostage. A look and listen are encouraged.”
Read the full article on The Absolute Sound.
Andre Jennings | The Absolute Sound | Dec. 3, 2018
Watch the video to learn more about the Andros Téssera