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Phono stages
Hand-wind balanced MC step-up transformers and LCR phono stages in the Czech Republic for serious vinyl rigs.
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rooms in 2 states
rooms outside the US
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about fonolab
Fonolab is a Czech analog specialist, designed and built by Jan Snegov, focused entirely on the front end of a vinyl system. The company makes moving-coil step-up transformers, LCR phono stages, and related phono accessories, working in a niche that a serious record-focused dealer recognizes immediately even though the brand sits well outside the mass market. The catalog centers on step-up transformers: the EQVES stereo MC SUT, the Qvattvor Pacto true-balanced SUT, the Qvattvor 4x4 dual-mono SUT, and the Veliferi modular MM/MC/MI unit with EQ. In partnership with fellow Czech maker Remton Audio, Fonolab also offers an LCR MM tube phono stage paired with an external balanced step-up transformer. The builds use parts such as Tamura transformers, Neutrik connectors, LC-OFC wiring, and fully balanced circuitry, housed in heavy custom chassis work. Fonolab competes in the boutique analog tier alongside the small group of step-up-transformer and phono-stage specialists that vinyl enthusiasts seek out by name. US distribution runs through Tone Imports, the boutique house run by Jonathan Halpern that also handles Shindo and Auditorium 23, which places Fonolab in recognizable company for a US vinyl dealer. Stereophile covered the brand in its feature "The Czech List: Remton and Fonolab Bring the Goods." Production is based in the Czech Republic.