Audiolab PPA7 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier

Precision Engineering Meets Vinyl Passion

Designing a high-performance phono stage at an accessible price point requires uncompromising engineering. Elevating a cartridge’s delicate signal while keeping unwanted noise at bay demands meticulous attention to detail. Leveraging over 40 years of acclaimed amplifier design, Audiolab brings its "Sound of Science" philosophy to the PPA7. Every detail rom input noise and grounding to board layout and power isolation, has been fine-tuned to deliver exceptionally faithful music reproduction.

Pure Power, Flawless Fidelity

A clean, stable power supply is critical when amplifying subtle analogue signals. The PPA7 converts its 12V DC input internally into a symmetrical, ultra-regulated ±8.5V supply. Utilising separate positive and negative regulation stages, this design lowers the noise floor and preserves complete signal integrity throughout every equalisation stage.

Tailored Cartridge Matching

Whether using Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, the PPA7 offers exact electrical matching to extract peak performance:

• MM Compatibility: Features standard 47kΩ impedance alongside selectable 100pF or 220pF capacitance to fine-tune high-frequency response and tonal balance.
• MC Loadings: Offers 100Ω and 330Ω resistive options to optimise electrical damping and cartridge dynamics.
• Precision Gain Control: Adjustable by ±6dB in 1dB increments, providing up to 52dB gain for MM and 66dB for MC to match any system output level.

High-Performance Desktop Listening

Beyond traditional loudspeaker playback, the PPA7 features a built-in headphone amplifier housed within a compact desktop footprint. Delivering up to 600mW of power into 20–600Ω loads via a 6.35mm jack, its current-feedback topology, high slew rate, and low output impedance drive demanding wired headphones with speed, detail, and control.

Analogue Soul, Modern Digital Freedom

The PPA7 bridges classic vinyl enjoyment with contemporary convenience without sacrificing its core analogue performance:

• Wireless Streaming: Integrated Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX HD codec support streams vinyl directly to wireless headphones and speakers in high resolution.
• High-Res USB Archiving: A USB-C digital output connects directly to a PC or Mac, recording vinyl at 16-bit/24-bit resolution and sample rates up to 192kHz. Output levels adjust from -12dB to +3dB to maximise dynamic range without clipping.

Intuitive Control & Integration

Accessing advanced settings is effortless via the front-panel OLED display, ergonomic controls, or the included remote handset. Connections include dedicated MM/MC stereo RCA inputs, fixed/variable RCA outputs with built-in volume control, 12V triggers for automated system power, and a USB-A port for future firmware upgrades.

We endeavour to despatch same day for orders placed up to 1pm on available stock items (items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 24 hours"). Please remember to check with us first for a physical stock check if next day delivery is important to you. Any items with stock message "Usually dispatched within 72 hours" are items that we do not hold in stock but order in from the importer or manufacturer as soon as a customer order is received. Occasionally these may be delayed beyond 72 hours due to importer/manufacturer stock levels but we will inform you as soon as we can if this is the case.

UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge. Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

Collect in Store or Home Install

At the request of the manufacturer some items cannot be supplied by mail order but you can click and buy them and then elect to collect them from our store or arrange a home install (if applicable). Applicable items clearly state that they are Collect in store or home install. Once ordered you will receive a message prompting you to contact us by phone or email to arrange for us to deliver and install or to reserve and collect from our store at your convenience, you will also be advised of the delivery time / stock availability as not all Home install / collect in store items are held in stock.