The Bellari VP549 from Rolls is a phono preamp with RIAA equalization curve. A recording is made with the low frequencies reduced and the high frequencies boosted, and on playback the opposite occurs. The VP549 phono preamp can be used with a turntable to deliver a flat frequency response during playback of records and tackles low-frequency noise, cartridge load capacitance, and attenuation of the signal level.

This phono preamp makes listening to your vinyl collection more rewarding. Equipped with RCA inputs that connect to your turntable and RCA outputs that connects to your amplifier, the VP549 is easy to set up and features a ground terminal to tame hum and a 3.5mm stereo headphone/line output jack to monitor audio or connect it to an amplifier. The VP549 is bold, yet has a surprising attack that will take your rig to the next level.

RIAA Equalization Curve    RCA Inputs and Outputs    3.5mm Stereo Headphone/Line Output    14 Hz to 23 kHz Frequency Response    Rumble Filter    Trim and Gain Control    Cartridge Load Capacitance Switch    Includes Power Supply

You have an input that connects to your phonograph, and an output that plugs into your preamp or amplifier. Use the ground post to connect to your turntable's ground connection.

AKA "subsonic filter" cuts very low frequencies (below 20 Hz). The purpose of a filter like this is to get rid of annoying frequencies that disrupt the turntable's sound quality. A good rumble/subsonic filter should be inaudible, meaning you cannot hear when it is on or off in the program material you are listening to.

The VP549 has three settings: 120 pF, 220 pF, and 330 pF. Set the switch in the position you feel sounds best to you. The difference might be very slight, but it is there. Most cartridges come with a capacitance load recommendation in the spec sheet for the cartridge.

Attenuate the signal level up or down. It is not a volume control, meaning that signal will still be present even when the level is turned to the lowest point (in this case, -10 dB as labeled). If at half-way up you are at 0 dB output level, then all the way up you will have +4 dB more gain, and all the way down you will be at -10 dB down from a reference of the middle 0 dB.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this amplifier eliminate the tinny sounding play back on my Mac when trying record from my turn table?

A: I had no problem with tinny sound

Q: 2. Specs say max gain 48 db. Where would that be on the gain control? at +10? Additionally... how much gain is at 0 ?

A: The specs for the ART Precision Phono Preamp show a different maximum gain level rating for MC (Moving Coil) and MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges: 43 dB (MM) and 63 dB (MC). There is a switch on the front panel to select the input type and choose the cartridge style you will be using. You would then adjust the Gain Trim control and set it so that the Clip LED light stays green and only peaks occasionally as red. The actual gain levels will vary depending on the cartridge that is used and its specific output level.

Q: 3. does this come with a usb cable?

A: no

Q: 4. is this worth it even if the turntable has built in preamp?

A: If your turntable has a built-in phono preamp, then this pre is not required. The benefit to using an external phono preamp is usually based in the coloring of the sound it brings to the output of the record. External phono preamps of good quality, such as this, can offer more depth and clarity to the audio signal. As well, the cartridge impedance selector on this device can help you get the most out of the cartridge used.

Q: 5. Does the PA550 have a built in rumble filter? And also what is the phono cartridge load capacitance?

A: This unit does not have a specific rumble filter built in. As well, the cartridge load capacitance is not specified by the manufacturer.

Q: 6. Are the input and output impedances in this description correct? They're backwards from other the other Bellari preamp, and mismatched for common turntable cartridges as far as I can tell, but exactly backwards so I bought something else. I wanted this one, but since the company did not respond to my question, I did not buy one. Maybe someone has one and can test it.

A: Yes. The listed input and impedances of: Input: 47 K ohm (high impedance) and Output: 32 ohms(low impedance) These are the correct specs and typical (though the output impedance is lower than most phono pre-amps.

Q: 7. is this power supply dual voltage and hrtz?

A: Based on what we can tell, this power supply would be dual voltage and dual hertz.

Q: 8. Has anyone had any luck using this Bellari PA550 to connect a turntable to an older iMac circa 2012?

A: There is no digital / USB conversion on this pre amp. You would need an interface to connect it to a computer.

Q: 9. what is the Warranty on the AT-PEQ30?

A: There is a limited 1 year warranty on this item which will cover manufacturer failure only.

Q: 10. When we record with Audacity it only records one side of the speaker on both tracks, ignoring the other side, meaning it is not stereo and only one side of the track can be heard. What is the problem, usb cable or usb output port from the preamp?

A: Check your computer settings - assuming Windows, go to Control Panel-Hardware and Sound-Sound-Recording. Select the USB Audio CODEC and click Properties, then Advanced. Make sure the Default Format is 2-channel. I do this every time I want to record something - most times the setting will be remembered, but every so often it will revert to 1-channel. Very annoying if I've recorded 5 albums before I notice!