Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier – Dual presents its first standalone phono preamplifier with fully balanced signal processing, XLR connectors and JFET technology
Dual, a name long synonymous with turntables, is preparing its first standalone phono stage in the shape of the CP 707 Phono Preamplifier. It accepts MM and MC cartridges, offers adjustable loading as well as balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections, and relies on JFET gain stages inside a shielded steel case. Our report sets out what the prototype promises, where Dual has set its priorities and what still has to be confirmed before the planned launch in 2027.
- The Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier is the company's first dedicated phono stage, combining a fully balanced signal path and JFET gain stages with switchable gain for MM (40/46 dB) and MC (60/66 dB), adjustable input impedance and capacitance, XLR and Cinch connections, a subsonic filter and automute. It is expected to reach the market in the second quarter of 2027 at roughly € 900,-, although the price is not yet binding and Dual has yet to publish final specifications and measurements.
For decades, the name Dual has stood for record players. With the CP 707 Phono Preamplifier, the German specialist now steps beyond the turntable for the first time and adds a standalone phono stage to its portfolio. The ambition is clear: a fully balanced signal path, modern JFET amplification and a design aimed squarely at rejecting interference are meant to cope with the faint signals produced by high-quality cartridges. The CP 707 is still in development, but the main technical outline of the model, pencilled in for 2027, has already been settled.
Key Facts Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier
- Standalone phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges
- Fully balanced signal path
- Gain: MM 40/46 dB; MC 60/66 dB
- Adjustable termination impedance and input capacitance
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs
- JFET gain stages with high EMI immunity
- Electromagnetically shielded steel chassis
- Switchable subsonic filter and automatic muting
- Planned market launch: second quarter of 2027
The problem a phono stage has to solve
A moving-coil cartridge delivers only a whisper of a signal, and the amplifier that follows it has to lift that whisper by a large margin without picking up anything else on the way. That is the difficulty. Circuits of this kind react sensitively to electromagnetic interference, and a modern living room is full of potential sources: WiFi routers, smartphones and switch-mode power supplies all radiate in their own way.
This is precisely where Dual aims the CP 707. According to the company, the current prototype uses a fully balanced signal path together with amplifier stages built on JFETs, or junction field-effect transistors. Dual says this combination should give the circuit particular resilience against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A shielded steel enclosure is meant to protect the sensitive electronics further from outside influences.
Connections for modern and conventional systems
Balanced XLR sockets are provided on both the input and the output side. Paired with a turntable and an amplifier that are equipped accordingly, this makes it possible to keep the signal balanced from the cartridge to the amplification stage that follows.
Systems built along more traditional lines are not left out. Unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs are fitted as well, so the CP 707 works whether or not the rest of the equipment supports balanced connections.
Setting up the cartridge
Cartridges differ widely in output and electrical demands, and the CP 707 offers several ways of adapting to them. On the MM side, the current state of development foresees gain settings of 40 dB and 46 dB; MC cartridges can be run at 60 dB or 66 dB.
The electrical termination can also be adjusted. Both the termination impedance and the input capacitance are adjustable, and both matter for matching a given cartridge correctly. Two practical extras complete the specification: a switchable subsonic filter to suppress unwanted low-frequency disturbances, and an automatic mute function intended above all to prevent disruptive switching noises.
A phono stage for any deck, not just Dual’s own
Dual has made it plain that the CP 707 is not meant to be confined to its own turntables. Because it supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges and provides the adjustments described above, the preamplifier is intended for a wide range of decks and pick-up systems. It also takes Dual into a part of the analogue chain that has largely been the preserve of outside specialists until now.
All benefits at a glance
- Both cartridge families: one unit for MM and MC technology.
- Balanced signal handling: lowers susceptibility to stray signals picked up along the way.
- Tailored matching: selectable gain and adjustable termination allow the stage to be tuned to the cartridge.
- Two connection standards: XLR and RCA suit balanced and conventional HiFi setups alike.
- JFET amplification: intended to keep sensitive phono signals robust against interference.
- Shielded steel chassis: extra protection for the delicate analogue circuitry.
- Subsonic filter and automute: useful tools against low-frequency rumble and switching noise.
Price and availability
The Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier is still at the development stage. The finished production version is due to be shown around HIGH END Vienna 2027, with the market launch planned for the second quarter of 2027.
The expected retail price is currently put at around € 900,-, though no binding recommended price has been set. Dual also intends to release the final technical data and measurements only closer to the start of production.
Getting to the point
With the CP 707, Dual adds a genuinely interesting component to its range, and the engineering concept goes well beyond that of a simple phono stage. Given how delicate phono signals are, the fully balanced signal path and the clear emphasis on immunity to electromagnetic interference make sense on paper. That Dual also wants to play a central role in the analogue chain away from the turntable itself makes this announcement all the more noteworthy. How the production model fares will depend on the final specifications and measurements, which Dual has yet to disclose.
| Product | Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | around € 900,- |
Technical Specifications
| Product | Dual CP 707 Phono Preamplifier |
|---|---|
| Characterisation | Phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges, fully balanced, JFET-based |
| Product type | Phono preamplifier |
| Cartridge types | MM, MC |
| Circuit design | Fully balanced |
| Amplifier technology | JFET |
| Gain MM | 40 dB, 46 dB |
| Gain MC | 60 dB, 66 dB |
| Input matching | Adjustable impedance and capacitance |
| Analogue inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Analogue outputs | XLR, RCA |
| Subsonic filter | Switchable |
| Automute | Yes |
| Chassis | Shielded steel enclosure |
