About the VT-500 Phono Preamplifier
Cary Audio has always supported playback of vinyl records, and today there is a revival of the LP as a serious format, both for audiophiles and for the general music public. With the new VT-500, even the most demanding vinyl enthusiast will realize this exotic unit is dedicated to nothing short of incomparable vinyl playback.
The VT-500 is a vacuum tube stereo phono preamplifier utilizing four (4) 6SL7 dual triode tubes. The RIAA equalization curve is derived from a passive RC circuit located between the two gain stages. The VT-500 uses a fully regulated power supply housed in a large separate heavy-duty external power supply chassis ensuring an extremely quiet operation. The MC section uses two high quality step-up transformers providing enough gain for use with any MC cartridge with a very low noise floor. The VT-500 offers inputs and selectable loading to match almost any moving-magnet or moving-coil phono cartridge. This will optimize the response to best match your cartridge.
For the analog lover, the VT-500 is a magical blend of art and technology that will add to your music listening enjoyment hour after hour. You’ll hear subtle shadings and exciting dynamic contrasts on all types of music. If you are serious about your vinyl music collection and your turntable, the VT-500 should be part of your system.
The following section describes the VT-500 basic specifications. The specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
| Circuit Type | Direct Coupled Single-ended Class A |
| Frequency Response | RIAA Curve + 0.5 dB, passive RIAA circuit design |
| Gain | MM – 38 dB, using triode vacuum tubes MC – 65 dB, using input transformers and triode vacuum tubes |
| Noise and Hum | -78 dB below full output |
| Input Impedance | MM – 47kΩ MC – Selectable 50Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 500Ω, 1000Ω |
| Output Impedance | 660Ω |
| Power Supply Design | Fully Regulated Power Supply with 1 ea. – R-Core transformer |
| Output Polarity | Non-Inverting |
| Vacuum Tube Complement | 2 ea – 6SL7 Head Amp 2 ea – 6SL7 RIAA EQ & Amp Gain Stage 1 ea – 5AR4 Vacuum Tube Rectifier (located in external power supply chassis) |
| AC Power Requirements | 100V-120V @ 50/60 Hz or 200V-240V @ 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 15 watts |
| Warm-Up Time | 5 Minutes |
| Break-In Time | 100 hours of music playing time |
| Finish | Fine textured black powder coat aluminum chassis, Black or Silver anodized aluminum faceplate |
| Weight | 22 lbs. |
| Dimensions | 5″ H x 17.25″ W x 13″ D |