THREE YEARS IN THE MAKING: MUSIC FIRST AUDIO LP 103 LCR PHONO STAGE

British HiFi manufacturer Music First Audio, part of Stevens & Billington Ltd, has announced the global release of its latest phono stage, the Music First Audio LP 103 LCR.

Built in the company’s Rye Harbour workshop on the south coast of England, the Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage is the result of a three-year development process led by veteran designer Thorsten Loesch.

MUSIC FIRST AUDIO LP 103 LCR FEATURES LCR 600 OHM EQUALISATION

At the heart of the Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage is a 600 Ohm LCR (Inductor-Capacitor-Resistor) equalisation network. This classic approach to RIAA equalisation is valued for its accuracy and musical presentation, and in this implementation achieves a quoted accuracy of ±0.2dB across the RIAA curve.

FLEXIBLE INPUTS AND WIDE GAIN ADJUSTMENT

Designed for use with both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, the LP 103 LCR incorporates step-up transformers for MC duties. Gain for MM is adjustable from 30dB to 50dB in 2dB increments, with additional gain of 14dB, 20dB, or 26dB available via the MC step-up transformers. This allows users to tailor gain precisely to their cartridge and system requirements.

LOADING OPTIONS AND CONTROL FEATURES ON THE MUSIC FIRST AUDIO LP 103 LCR

The Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage provides a wide range of cartridge loading options. MM input resistance can be set to values between 15k and 100k Ohms, while capacitance settings range from 10pF to 470pF. MC loading is adjustable between 25 Ohms and 4k Ohms depending on the selected step-up transformer. The unit also features a mute switch, -12dB dim function, and mono (SUM) mode, offering useful operational flexibility.

CLASS A CIRCUITRY AND DUAL MONO CONSTRUCTION

Internally, the Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage uses a fully discrete Class A circuit topology, combining low-noise J-FET input stages with bipolar transistor-based architecture, inspired by classic professional audio designs. Dual mono construction is employed throughout, with separate PCBs for left and right channels and dedicated external power supplies for each, helping ensure optimal channel separation and noise performance.

HIGH-GRADE COMPONENTS THROUGHOUT THE BUILD

A high standard of component selection supports the performance goals of the LP 103 LCR. The phono stage includes Nichicon Muse KZ and ES electrolytic capacitors and WIMA FKP and MKP film capacitors. In total, the design features six low-noise J-FETs, 38 bipolar transistors, multiple diodes, turn-on delay ICs, and four LEDs—evidence of a carefully engineered signal path.

TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE AND OUTPUT CAPABILITY

The Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage delivers a signal-to-noise ratio of over 70dB unweighted and greater than 78dB A-weighted at 40dB gain. Total Harmonic Distortion is specified as less than 0.003%, and maximum output is a robust +26dBu (15.5V), with an output impedance below 100 Ohms—making it suitable for a wide range of partnering amplification.

MUSIC FIRST AUDIO LP 103 LCR PHONO STAGE PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Music First Audio LP 103 LCR Phono Stage is now shipping internationally.

 Price is £7,300 plus VAT in the UK. 

HiFi PiG Says: We are big fans of Music First Audio, a great boutique British HiFi brand, review to follow soon on HiFi PiG!