Sutherland KC Vibe MK2

MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Sutherland KC Vibe MK2

MM/MC Phono Preamplifier
$895.00
In Stock: Free 2-Day Shipping

Overview

There are indications of high-end qualities—even before you listen or take off the cover. The KC Vibe uses a 48 volt external power supply to provide a huge margin for extensive filtering and isolation. There are also machined, gold plated and teflon insulated audio jacks. With the cover removed, you will see the signature Sutherland circuit board layout aesthetic.

A basic turntable produces a low-level signal. It must be amplified and equalized before going to a line-level input (sometimes labeled AUX) of a preamplifier or receiver.

That is exactly what the KC VIBE will do for you. The small-signal from your turntable goes to the IN jacks. The larger, amplifier signal leaves the OUT jacks and goes to your line-level preamplifier. There is also, generally, a grounding wire coming from the turntable. It connects to the ground screw on the back of the KC VIBE.

Loading Adjustments

There are five available load settings. Loading is set using the supplied, gold plated shunts. There is a setting header block for each channel. Position the shunt to the desired load value. Be sure to set the loading of each channel to the same value. For moving coil cartridges, a good starting value is 200 Ohms. With moving magnet cartridges, 47k Ohms is generally recommended.

Gain Adjustments

There are five available gain settings. Gain is set using the supplied, gold plated shunts. There is a setting header block for each channel. Position the shunt to the desired gain value. Be sure to set the gain of each channel to the same value. For moving coil cartridges, a good starting value is 60 dB. With moving magnet cartridges, start with 45 dB.

Details & Specs

Gain Settings: 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60dB

Size: 6.5” wide x 12” deep x 2.5” high

Shipping Box: 14.5” wide x 12.5” deep x 6.5” high

Loading: 100, 200, 475, 1k or 47k Ohms

Weight: Net 6 lbs / Shipping 10 lbs

Power Requirements: 86 to 260 volts AC, 2 Watts Universal, no adjustment required


Reviews

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
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Robert Stack

So far I am liking it a lot. Can’t wait until it is thoroughly broke in.

C
Chris
USA Hi-Fi

This is a stellar phono stage and I have tried a lot of them under 1K, now I’m kicking myself for not starting here first… Live and learn I guess.
First impressions was how holographic it sound, soundstage is wide and deep front to back, cymbals ring for days! Very very happy with the Vibe and I’ve only had it for about 48 hours but have played 50 records so far!

Setup - Technics SL-1200 MK2 - AT OC9XSL - Vibe MK2 - Schiit Freya+ - Schiit Vidar - ZU Dirty Weekend 6

One last thing. It’s Sunday January 8th about 3:30 and I just emailed Sutherland to ask what size screws held the top on, and Ron Sutherland the owner emailed me back a few minutes later with the answer and a link where to buy them! Pretty cool.

Highly recommend the Vibe MK2.

K
Ken
With every penny!

I have bought a Rega P3 w/ exact2 cartridge last year. Although it sounds great, I always felt something was missing. I purchased the Rega ttpsu power supply last week and noticed a big improvement. This week I purchased the kc vibe mk 2 and BAM! Monumental improvement in sound! I can't believe it's the same turntable! Don't hesitate, buy it now! You won't regret it!!!

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pete
i wasn't even thinking about it

i was thinking of upgrading my r6/exact to the ania. i chatted with jeff and he recommended a switch to the sutherland kc vibe mk2. (said that the exact would certainly benefit from it) well, he was right! i am hearing tracks that are much more pronounced(ian anderson's flute in the background) my jbl hdi 1600s are performing at a much higher level. i am just going to sit back and enjoy the music! (i am thinking that phono amps do not get the credit they deserve)

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Larry
Sutherland solid state phono gets it right!

I was a little concerned about trying a ss phono pre. I enjoyed tubes for many years. The Sutherland gives me the option of trying a moving coil cartridge in the future. This is a quality product. The sound is not analytical but has detail that remains non fatiguing. Highly recommended product along with excellent service and fast shipping from Audio Advice.