AVID Pulsus II & Pellar II: Next-Gen MM/MC Phono Preamps for Vinyl Lovers

Step up your vinyl game with AVID's Pulsus II and Pellar II phono preamps, designed for serious turntable setups and flexible cartridge compatibility.

A Fresh Spin on Classic AVID Phono Preamps

If you’re a passionate vinyl enthusiast like me, you’ll understand the thrill of upgrading your analog setup with gear that truly respects the music. British audio maker AVID HiFi phono preamps has just refreshed two of their beloved entry-level phono preamps, the Pulsus II phono preamp and Pellar II phono preamp. These are not just simple updates; they’re thoughtful evolutions that follow in the footsteps of their decade-old predecessors. The original Pulsus came out way back in 2010, with the Pellar joining the family in 2012 — talk about staying power!

These new models arrive hot on the heels of AVID’s flagship Velsonic phono preamp but tap into a more accessible segment of their lineup. However, don’t mistake “accessible” for “basic.” Both Pulsus II and Pellar II are crafted for serious vinyl systems, boasting flexible settings to perfectly match a wide variety of moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges.

MM and MC Compatibility with a Focus on Sound Purity

One of the standout features of both Pulsus II and Pellar II is their ability to handle MM and MC cartridges alike, including both low and high output options. AVID made reducing noise a primary goal in the redesign, along with hand-selecting components to enhance clarity and transparency in sound reproduction.

They didn’t stop at internals either — the chassis design got a makeover to visually harmonize with AVID turntables, making the Pulsus II and Pellar II look as good as they sound.

Pulsus II: The Big Brother With Serious Flexibility

The Pulsus II stands as the more advanced sibling of the two. It sports a two-box design with a separate power supply, embracing a “dual mono” circuit topology complete with dedicated power stabilization. This design ensures minimum crosstalk and noise, something any vinyl lover craves.

For customization, Pulsus II offers:

• Three gain settings: 40 dB, 60 dB, and 70 dB,
• Seven load resistance options ranging from 100 ohms to 47 kilo-ohms,
• Three capacitance choices: 100 pF, 200 pF, and 500 pF.

This range allows you to tailor the preamp to the quirks and preferences of almost any cartridge out there.

Pellar II: Compact, Simplified, Still Serious

If your setup demands a smaller footprint but you won’t compromise on sound, the Pellar II fits the bill. This single-box preamp has an integrated, stabilized power supply and employs low-noise operational amplifiers.

While it supports MM and MC cartridges too, its settings are a bit more streamlined:

• Gain options at 48 dB, 60 dB, and 70 dB,
• Load resistance fixed at 47 kilo-ohms, 500 ohms, or customizable values via inserts,
• Fixed capacitance at 100 pF.

This means it’s ideal for users who want excellent sound quality with fewer tweaks but still require quality MC support.

Technical Specs: Noise, Distortion, and RIAA Perfection

Looking under the hood, Pulsus II and Pellar II closely match each other in key measured specs, which is impressive given their design differences:

• Noise levels below -81 dB in MM mode and under -67 dB in MC mode,
• Distortion under 0.001%,
• Output impedance at a low 20 ohms,
• RIAA equalization accuracy within ±0.5 dB across a wide range from 5 Hz to 70 kHz.

For those who geek out on precision measurement, these numbers are music to the ears. For us fans simply craving a truthful, clean, and natural sound, it means less hum, less hiss, and more soul.

Made in Britain, Ready for Vinyl Lovers Worldwide

Both Pulsus II and Pellar II proudly carry the British manufacturing stamp. They’re slated to hit the market in July 2026, with pricing reflecting their build and pedigree:

• Pulsus II: €3,995 / $4,695 USD,
• Pellar II: €1,995 / $2,295 USD.

While these aren’t bargain basement prices, they’re well suited for those who are serious about their vinyl collections and want a preamp that offers genuine audiophile-grade performance without breaking the bank.

"The focus was on noise reduction, careful component selection, and improving sound transparency." – AVID HiFi

If you've ever spent hours hunting for the perfect cartridge or fiddled with load settings to coax your system into life, these new AVID preamps are exactly the kind of gear that respects your vinyl obsession.

FAQ

• What types of cartridges do Pulsus II and Pellar II support?
  Both support MM and MC cartridges, including low and high output models.
• Are there adjustable gain settings?
  Yes, both models offer multiple gain levels; Pulsus II offers 40, 60, and 70 dB, while Pellar II has 48, 60, and 70 dB settings.
• Can I adjust load resistance and capacitance?
  Pulsus II offers seven resistance options and three capacitance choices, while Pellar II has fixed or configurable resistance via inserts and a fixed capacitance.
• Where are these phono preamps made?
  Both are manufactured in the United Kingdom.
• When will these preamps be available and what are their prices?
  Expected to launch in July 2026; Pulsus II is priced around $4,695 USD, and Pellar II about $2,295 USD.

If you’re inspired by these meticulously crafted preamps and want to celebrate your vinyl passion visually, consider shopping for your favorite album cover poster at our store for a perfect complement to your listening space: Architeg Prints.