Japanese high-end audio brand Phasemation has announced the release of its new flagship tube phono amplifier, the “EA-1500,” in December 2025. The price is 2,400,000 JPY (excluding tax).
First-Ever Support for Optical Cartridges
A major feature of the EA-1500 is that it is the brand’s first model to support optical cartridges, in addition to conventional MM/MC cartridges. It features a dedicated power transformer for the optical cartridge, which is independent of the phono amplifier section, to ensure a stable power supply and eliminate interference.
Two-Chassis Configuration and Non-NFB Circuit
Inheriting the technology and philosophy cultivated in the top model “EA-2000,” the amplifier and power supply sections are completely separated into two chassis. The power supply section is equipped with a tube rectification circuit using a “5U4GB” rectifier tube, in addition to two independent L/R power transformers. This creates a clean and powerful power supply unit that, in principle, does not generate switching noise like semiconductor diodes.
The amplifier section is a tube type with a non-NFB (Negative Feedback) circuit. It achieves both the wide dynamic range of tubes operating at high voltage and the high-speed sound resulting from the absence of NFB. The equalizer circuit employs the well-regarded LCR type.
Meticulously Selected Parts and Mechanisms
For MC cartridges, a step-up transformer using PC-Triple C for the windings is built-in. It has three systems of RCA/XLR inputs, each of which can be switched between MM and MC. Vibration countermeasures are also thorough, such as the use of a 1.6mm thick top cover and hybrid insulators combining different metals.
The EA-1500 is a model that symbolizes Phasemation’s new challenge, aiming to maximize the potential of all cartridges.