Lindemann Limetree Phono II Review: High-Quality Moving Magnet Phono Preamp

Looking for a top-notch moving magnet phono preamp that won’t break the bank? The Lindemann Limetree Phono II might just be your perfect match.

Small Box, Big Sound

If you’re on the hunt for a quality and affordable moving magnet phono preamp, your search can stop right here. The Lindemann Limetree Phono II may look modest—its compact aluminum chassis barely takes up more space than a coaster—but don’t let its size fool you. Beneath that unassuming exterior lies a thoughtfully engineered device delivering sound quality that rivals the best gear in its price category (around $1,200 USD).

Weighing just 295 grams, it’s light enough to place almost anywhere on your audio rack. But a word of caution: heavy or rigid interconnect cables can pull the preamp off the shelf if you’re not careful. Also, like any serious phono preamp, keep it away from devices with powerful transformers to keep noise interference minimal.

The sturdy aluminum enclosure gives a premium feel, and the front panel sports a simple switch that not only turns the unit on but toggles between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) modes.

On the rear panel, you’ll find dedicated inputs for both cartridge types and a single stereo RCA output. Power comes from an external adapter, connected via a plug.

One standout feature for MC users is load adjustment. The Limetree Phono II lets you tweak the cartridge load resistance from 50 to 400 ohms using DIP switches on the back. While not a massive range, it's enough to suit most MC cartridges. MM cartridges, on the other hand, enjoy a standard 47k ohm/150pF load.

The preamp’s circuit design draws inspiration from vintage tube amplifiers. It’s a two-stage setup featuring passive RIAA equalization and J-FET transistors, paired with high-quality resistors and capacitors in critical signal areas. Gain is sensibly set at 40 dB for MM and 66 dB for MC inputs.

Pairing and Compatibility

For a phono preamp in this price bracket, the Lindemann Limetree Phono II pairs beautifully with turntables like the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition and a moving magnet cartridge such as the Nd5.

Most of the review was conducted using a Technics SL-1000R deck, equipped alternately with moving magnet cartridges like the Nagaoka MP-200 and Vertere Dark Sabre, and moving coil models such as the Ortofon MC-X30. For a real challenge, the high-end Kiseki Purpleheart MC cartridge was also tested to see how the Limetree handles premium, ambitious cartridges.

It turns out this preamp has plenty of headroom. While it might not fully unlock the full potential of the Kiseki—understandable given the cartridge weighs about four times more than the preamp itself—it shines with all the more affordable cartridges.

Sound Performance

The Limetree Phono II nails the fundamentals. Noise levels are impressively low—no hiss or hum to complain about. With the MM input engaged, it delivers detailed, dynamic sound that plunges deep into the heart of pieces like Orff’s Carmina Burana. For those who know this piece, it’s a rollercoaster of sudden dynamic shifts and dense instrumentation, and the Limetree doesn’t miss a single note.

This preamp is quick and energetic, capturing the frantic energy of a piece while maintaining enough composure to follow low-frequency instruments with ease.

The stereo image is wide and deep, with precise instrument placement that stays stable and focused even through complex musical passages. The soundstage has impressive scale, making you feel like you’re in the room with the musicians.

Tonally, the Limetree is balanced but a bit reserved. If you’re chasing a lush, warm tone, you might want to look elsewhere. This preamp delivers a balanced output with most cartridges, but it will highlight any thin, bright, or harsh qualities rather than mask them.

Switching to the MC input was a pleasant surprise. Many preamps in this range perform better with MM cartridges than the lower-output, more demanding MC ones. But the Limetree Phono II exceeds expectations, offering clear sound, rich detail, and admirable transparency.

It shows off the balanced character of the Ortofon MC X30 with sharpness, precision, and expressive dynamics. Whether spinning Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever, or Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, the Limetree Phono II takes a backseat, letting the music speak for itself.

Its rhythmic drive makes Jackson’s Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ feel truly inspired, and bass lines have palpable energy and power. The midrange clarity is exceptional for this price, perfectly revealing the subtle nuances in Jackson’s voice. Billie Eilish’s vocals come through with the refinement and delicacy they deserve.

That said, the Limetree Phono II isn’t the only talented preamp in its price range. If your focus is solely on moving magnet cartridges, the Graham Slee Reflex M is worth a look. It’s another compact powerhouse that offers a slightly fuller and smoother sound compared to the Limetree.

Final Verdict

However, if MC support is essential for you, it’s hard to find an alternative that sounds better than the Limetree Phono II at this price point. To hear something truly better, you’d need to move up to models like the Rega Aria or Vertere Phono-1 MkII L, which cost at least twice as much.

Simply put, this phono preamp is a confident buy.

Ratings

• Sound: 5/5
• Build Quality: 4/5
• Features: 4/5

Limetree Phono II not only captures the fiercest energy of Orff’s Carmina Burana but also keeps the sonic picture stable and focused.

— Reviewer

FAQ

• What types of cartridges does the Lindemann Limetree Phono II support?
  It supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges with dedicated inputs and selectable modes.
• Can I adjust the loading for MC cartridges?
  Yes, it offers adjustable load resistance from 50 to 400 ohms via DIP switches on the back panel.
• Does it come with a remote control?
  No, the Limetree Phono II does not include a remote.
• Is the Limetree Phono II suitable for high-end cartridges?
  While it handles many cartridges well, extremely high-end cartridges like the Kiseki Purpleheart may not reach their full potential.
• How does it compare with other preamps in its price range?
  It compares favorably, especially for MC support, outperforming many competitors unless you step up to more expensive models.

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