Leema Antilla IIS Eco CD Player

Leema Agena balanced phono stage is a high end model with many uncommon features. The precise operating conditions of any magnetic cartridge can be set. This includes the input gain, resistance and capacitance. This is designed to ensure the best possible match and hence the best possible reproduction.

There are also two inputs so no lead swapping is required for listeners with more than one tonearm or turntable. The inputs are also adjustable in real time and different headshell settings can be stored. Notably, the Agena also has a sleep feature that turns off the control circuitry. This minimises any interference for optimal sound. Finally, there is a high-quality built in analogue to digital convertor that allows you to record to a computer via USB.

Connectivity

The Agenas cartridge inputs are via two sets of RCA sockets, while the analogue output is via, either a balanced XLR pair or standard RCA connectors. There is also a monitor output for monitoring recordings that are being sent to a computer, via the USB port.

Cartridge settings

The Agena has settings for cartridge gain, resistance and capacitance. This is required because there are two main cartridge types. Moving coil and moving magnet. Moving coil cartridges have a low output, typically less than 1mV. They also have different impedance characteristics than moving magnet units. Impedance is the combination of resistance and capacitance at the input. This is frequency dependant. The impedance needs to be matched to the cartridge for optimal performance. Moving magnet cartridges have an output of, typically, 5mV.

More on cartridge types

The two types of cartridge have different construction methods. Moving magnet cartridges have a small magnet mounted on the cantilever. That is the shaft that holds the stylus. The magnet moves inside a coil to generate the audio signal. This is cheaper to produce, however the use of one magnet for two channels can result in crosstalk and less stereo separation. The mass is also higher reducing high frequency response. On the other hand, moving coil cartridges use two tiny coils mounted to the end of the cantilever. This reduces the mass, but also reduces the output. Moving coil cartridges also have better performance, but cost more.

Input filtering

The Agena phono preamp also has input filtering. This was once common on high-end amplifiers. There are two types, low cut and high cut. The low cut filter removes signals below 15Hz. Notably, ‘warp’ and ‘rumble‘ noise can be present at these frequencies, and can cause large loudspeaker cone excursions. The high filter is used to remove hiss or clicks on damaged discs. It operates at 15kHz and will have a minimal effect on normal playback.

Record equalisation

Most modern recordings have pre-emphasis or equalisation applied. This is known as the RIAA curve. Bass is reduced to prevent too much groove excursion. While high frequencies are boosted to reduce surface noise. The playback preamp must reverse this in an accurate way, to get a flat frequency response. The frequency response is also a product of the input impedance, as mentioned above. Overall, the Agena is one of the most versatile phono preamps available today.

Analogue to digital conversion

Another useful feature is the analogue to digital convertor. This can be used to archive, record or restore recordings made via the USB port. Most modern computers will recognise the Agena without the need for drivers. Once connected the analogue monitor outputs can be used to monitor the recording. Any audio recording software can be used. For example, the free Audacity software. There is also a mono setting. This is useful when transferring mono recordings such as 78’s. There will then be no distracting stereo phase shifts and noise.