The Finest Under-$300 Tube MM Phono Preamplifier Around: Acclaimed, U.S.A.-Made Bellari VP130 MK2 Features 12AX7 Tube Output Stage, Snazzy Red Appearance, and Separate Volume Controls

Get the magical warmth of tubes in an MM phono preamplifier for a song. The Bellari VP130 MK2 sounds as good as it looks, and trust us, it looks gorgeous in its fire-engine-red powder-coat finish. This ultra-compact and affordable unit is compatible with all MM phono cartridges (from 2.5mV to 5mV output). What's more, its snazzy looks are deceiving in the sense that this gem has a jam-packed circuit board inside and uses a single 12AX7 tube in the output stage for that luscious midrange only tubes can provide. VP130 MK2 also plays with extreme quiet; its signal-to-noise ratio is an incredible 103dB. Factor in a ¼" headphone jack on the back panel, a mute switch, a 20Hz (infrasonic) rumble filter, and separate output volume controls for the mains and headphones, and it seriously doesn't get any better anywhere near this price point. 100% Music Direct Guaranteed.

"The versatile Bellari looks great and it sounded as good as it looks. It was quiet and golden-sweet and liquid in the midrange, as you'd expect from a 12AX7-based phono preamp. I wasn't expecting its top end to be so nicely extended, fast, and clean, or its bass to be so snappy, articulate, and extended. Every type of music I played through the surprising little Bellari sounded full-bodied and rich, yet detailed and crisply rendered."
– Michael Fremer, Stereophile

"The Bargain of a Lifetime Tube Phono Stage. For (this price), the Bellari Tube Phonostage offers warm musical sound and may be just what the doctor ordered for those who want to get into analog without loading up the credit card."
– The Absolute Sound

"I was surprised by how attractive and well balanced it sounded: smooth and warm, yet open and crisply detailed. The Bellari seemed to create a sound that was rich, natural and appealing. Surface noise was low, and the music emerged from a crisp, clean, quiet background. It was an excellent sound by almost any standards; one I was very happy to listen to. An excellent performer at a very reasonable price!"
– Jimmy Hughes, Hi-Fi+