Tom Evans Groove Anniversary Mk2 Moving Coil Phono Stage

The Tom Evans Groove Anniversary Mk2 is a dedicated phono pre-amplifier designed primarily for low-output moving coil cartridges.

It amplifies the extremely small electrical signal generated as the cartridge traces the record groove, applies the required RIAA equalisation and provides a line-level output for connection to an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.

The design uses separate left and right signal paths, dual Lithos 7.4 local voltage regulators, selectable cartridge loading and a separate external power supply.

Low-Output Moving Coil Compatibility

Moving coil cartridges can produce only a fraction of the output generated by a typical moving magnet design.

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 is configured to amplify these very small signals while maintaining low background noise and preserving the cartridge’s dynamic range.

Its standard gain is intended to suit many contemporary moving coil cartridges with outputs between approximately 0.2mV and 0.6mV.

Alternative gain arrangements can be accommodated when required, but the cartridge specification should be confirmed before the phono stage is ordered or reconfigured.

Selectable Cartridge Loading

Cartridge loading affects how a moving coil cartridge interacts electrically with the phono stage.

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 provides DIP switches for each channel, allowing the input resistance to be adjusted without replacing internal components.

Available resistance settings are 112, 126, 144, 168, 200, 250, 333, 500 and 1000 ohms.

The cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation provides a useful starting point, but listening tests may reveal that another supported setting gives a preferable balance within a particular turntable and system.

Custom Cartridge Configuration

Tom Evans can accommodate alternative loading or gain requirements when the standard options are not appropriate.

This may be useful for moving coil cartridges with unusually low output, higher-than-average output or loading requirements outside the standard resistance range.

Audio T can check the cartridge specification and discuss the required configuration before an order is placed.

Not a Standard Moving Magnet Phono Stage

The standard Groove Anniversary Mk2 should not be assumed to provide the conventional 47-kilohm input normally required by a moving magnet cartridge.

Moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges ordinarily require a suitable moving magnet phono input unless an alternative Groove configuration has been specifically confirmed.

Never select a phono stage using cartridge type alone. Output voltage, recommended impedance and required gain should all be checked.

Dual-Mono Circuit Layout

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 uses separate amplification and regulation for the left and right channels.

This dual-mono arrangement is designed to reduce interaction between the channels and preserve the separation encoded within a stereo record groove.

Each channel receives its own local Lithos voltage regulation rather than sharing one common regulator across the entire audio circuit.

Dual Lithos 7.4 Voltage Regulation

Stable, low-noise power is particularly important in a moving coil phono stage because the incoming cartridge signal is extremely small.

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 uses two Lithos 7.4 local regulators, one for each mono signal path.

Their purpose is to provide a tightly controlled supply to the audio circuitry, preventing power-supply noise and changing current demands from masking low-level musical information.

RIAA Equalisation

Records are cut using RIAA equalisation, which reduces bass and increases treble during mastering. A phono stage must reverse this curve accurately during playback.

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 applies the required equalisation before amplifying the signal to a level suitable for a conventional line input.

Accurate equalisation is essential for restoring the intended tonal balance and ensuring that bass, midrange and treble remain properly proportioned.

Low-Frequency Filtering

Vinyl systems can produce very low-frequency energy caused by warped records, bearing movement, footfall or acoustic feedback.

The Tom Evans circuit incorporates low-frequency filtering intended to control unwanted subsonic energy without placing a conventional switch or additional user control in the signal path.

Correct turntable support, cartridge alignment and isolation remain important even when a phono stage includes this form of filtering.

Separate External Power Supply

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 uses a separate mains power supply rather than placing the transformer inside the main phono-stage enclosure.

Separating the power transformer from the sensitive cartridge-amplification circuitry helps reduce the potential for electromagnetic interference and mechanical vibration around the audio section.

The power supply should be positioned away from the turntable, cartridge leads and phono-stage signal cables where practical.

Acrylic Main Enclosure

Tom Evans uses a compact black acrylic enclosure rather than conventional heavy metal casework.

This choice reflects the designer’s emphasis on circuit behaviour and freedom from unwanted interaction with metal enclosures rather than visual weight or decorative front-panel features.

There are no everyday controls on the front because cartridge loading and gain are installation settings rather than adjustments intended to be changed during normal listening.

Connecting the Groove Anniversary Mk2

The turntable connects to the phono-stage input using the tonearm’s left and right RCA cables.

A separate stereo interconnect then connects the phono-stage output to an unused line-level input on the amplifier, such as AUX, CD, Tuner or Line.

Do not connect its output to another phono input, as the signal would be amplified and equalised twice.

The tonearm earth lead should be connected to the phono stage where required. If hum is present, the earthing arrangement, cable routing and position of the external power supply should all be checked.

Turntable and Cartridge Setup

A phono stage of this level will reveal incorrect cartridge alignment, unsuitable tracking force and poor turntable isolation as readily as it reveals improvements elsewhere in the system.

The cartridge should be aligned accurately and operated at the tracking force and bias recommended by its manufacturer.

Audio T can fit compatible cartridges, check alignment and confirm that the Groove Anniversary Mk2 is configured appropriately for the selected model.

System Matching

The Groove Anniversary Mk2 is best considered as part of the complete vinyl replay chain rather than as an isolated upgrade.

Turntable quality, tonearm compatibility, cartridge condition, setup, supporting furniture, amplifier performance and loudspeaker resolution will all influence the final result.

A demonstration using a familiar cartridge or a system of comparable quality is recommended before making a final decision.

Key Features

• Specialist moving coil phono stage
• Designed primarily for low-output moving coil cartridges
• Standard gain suitable for approximately 0.2mV to 0.6mV cartridges
• Alternative gain available by request
• Dual-mono circuit layout
• Dual Lithos 7.4 local voltage regulators
• Separate external power supply
• Selectable loading for each channel
• Nine resistance settings
• Custom loading available by request
• RIAA phono equalisation
• Integrated low-frequency filtering
• Stereo RCA input and output connections
• Tonearm earth connection
• Compact black acrylic enclosure
• Five-year manufacturer guarantee

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions