Stereophile
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<p><img class="story_image" src="http://www.stereophile.com/images/613bmc.promo_.jpg" /></p> In July 2008 I reviewed the intriguing <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/phonopreamps/708aqvox/index.html">Phono 2Ci</a> moving-magnet/moving-coil phono preamplifier from Aqvox Audio Devices. Though it then cost only $1400, the Phono 2Ci's current-input circuitry represented a high-tech departure from the typical voltage-gain circuits used by almost everyone else. Although keeping its retail price so low resulted in some sonic compromises, it sounded remarkable, and tough to beat at the price.
<p>
The Aqvox's designer was a hired gun: Carlos Candeias. Now he's back, this time with the Phono MCCI balanced phono preamplifier ($3890), another current-input design, and this time with his own brand. Candeias founded B.M.C. Audio GmbH in 2009, to design (in Germany), build (in China), and market (worldwide) his creations, including the Audio Amplifier C1 integrated amplifier, which I <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/bmc-audio-amplifier-c1-integrated-amplifier">reviewed in the May 2012 issue</a>.
</p><p>
The Phono MCCI is built to a far higher, more complex standard than the Aqvox, and is MC only. Like the other B.M.C. electronic components, it sports a large, round something at the center of its front panel. On the C1, that something is a power meter; on the Phono MCCI, it's a big On/Off switch. The user can adjust little on the MCCI, so the controls are simple: On/Off, Mute, front-panel Dim
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/bmc-phono-mcci-phono-preamplifier]
<p>
The Aqvox's designer was a hired gun: Carlos Candeias. Now he's back, this time with the Phono MCCI balanced phono preamplifier ($3890), another current-input design, and this time with his own brand. Candeias founded B.M.C. Audio GmbH in 2009, to design (in Germany), build (in China), and market (worldwide) his creations, including the Audio Amplifier C1 integrated amplifier, which I <a href="http://www.stereophile.com/content/bmc-audio-amplifier-c1-integrated-amplifier">reviewed in the May 2012 issue</a>.
</p><p>
The Phono MCCI is built to a far higher, more complex standard than the Aqvox, and is MC only. Like the other B.M.C. electronic components, it sports a large, round something at the center of its front panel. On the C1, that something is a power meter; on the Phono MCCI, it's a big On/Off switch. The user can adjust little on the MCCI, so the controls are simple: On/Off, Mute, front-panel Dim
[Source: http://www.stereophile.com/content/bmc-phono-mcci-phono-preamplifier]