RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ Phono Preamplifier For sale is a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ phono pre-amplifier from the US in terrific condition. Bang for buck, this is a winner. I've been using it with my Thorens TD125ii for over five years. Delightful. Very flexible in terms of loadings/settings. Lovely vinyl audio reproduction. Why is this one $900? Because I didn't use the wall wart PS (but you can have too, it's in the original box, somewhere up there). Clay Gieseler worked his magic and adapted one of his LPSUs to match the Phonomena II+ and it is simply better than you'll
A$900 is ambitious against your own market anchor: it sits well above the A$859 75th percentile, so this is priced at the top end rather than squarely in the middle. Against a median of A$620 and a 25th percentile of A$540, you’re paying a premium that only really makes sense if the unit is exceptionally tidy, recently serviced, or comes with extras.
That said, the PHONOMENA II is a respected moving-magnet phono stage with a strong reputation for quiet operation, good loading flexibility, and a clean, refined presentation that suits serious vinyl setups. If it’s genuinely clean, fully working, and includes the original PSU and any useful accessories, it can still be a worthwhile buy for someone who wants a dependable step-up box and doesn’t mind paying for condition and completeness.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Musical Surroundings traces its roots to 1990, when Garth Leerer filed the DBA in Oakland, California, building on his involvement in high-performance audio since the late 1970s. As a key figure in the analog revival, Leerer managed SOTA turntables and launched the company with a mission to ensure LP playback endured beyond the compact disc era. Over three decades, it has evolved from distribution into manufacturing, celebrating 33 years in 2023 as a cornerstone of vinyl-centric hi-fi.
The brand specializes in high-end analog components, distributing renowned lines like Clearaudio turntables, Graham and Clearaudio tonearms, Benz phono cartridges, and others, while offering turntable accessories and record-cleaning solutions. In-house, it produces exceptional phono preamplifiers in collaboration with designer Michael Yee, alongside a high-performance DAC, tube electronics, and select digital accessories, emphasizing flexibility and musicality in vinyl playback.
Positioned as a preeminent niche boutique in the high-end market, Musical Surroundings commands respect among audiophiles for its deep analog expertise and curated selections that prioritize sonic purity over mass appeal. It bridges vintage heritage with modern refinements, appealing to discerning buyers seeking uncompromising LP reproduction in a digital-dominated landscape.
See all Musical Surroundings listings on RADAR.
