Trigon ADVANCE III

Trigon ADVANCE III – MM/MC phono preamplifier with integrated battery power supply

Battery power — the quietest foundation for analogue listening

The Trigon ADVANCE III is the flagship phono preamplifier in the Trigon range and distinguishes itself from the Vanguard series through one decisive feature: an integrated battery power supply. During playback, the battery delivers current with no connection whatsoever to the mains, consequently eliminating all forms of mains-borne noise and interference at source. The Trigon ADVANCE III therefore achieves a signal-to-noise ratio that a conventional transformer supply cannot match. Furthermore, a touchscreen display provides intuitive control of all operating parameters. The ADVANCE III is available at Novus Audio in Kampen in black or silver.

Integrated battery supply — mains-independent and silent

The integrated battery supply is the technical heart of the ADVANCE III. During playback the device runs entirely on battery power, thereby severing all connection to the AC mains and eliminating every form of mains interference from the signal path. Processor-controlled software monitors and manages the charge cycle of the long-life lead-gel batteries automatically, consequently the user never needs to think about battery status. Furthermore, the front-panel display shows all operating states at a glance. The external charger draws less than 3 VA, so standby consumption is minimal.

Exceptionally wide adjustability for MM and MC

The ADVANCE III offers a gain range of 36 to 60 dB in 16 steps, with a switchable additional 12 dB yielding a maximum gain of 72 dB — consequently even the lowest-output MC cartridge presents no challenge. Input impedance is adjustable from 25 to 1,800 ohms in 31 steps, plus 47 kΩ for MM systems. Input capacitance is furthermore switchable between 47, 100, and 147 pF. Thanks to this combination, the ADVANCE III adapts to virtually any cartridge available — from entry-level models to reference MC elements such as the Skyanalog Reference. All switches are externally accessible for straightforward adjustment.

Touchscreen, RIAA accuracy, and build quality

The touchscreen makes adjusting gain, impedance, and capacitance considerably more convenient than the conventional controls of the Vanguard II. RIAA equalisation is accurate to within ±0.2 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and total harmonic distortion is just 0.06%. Channel separation furthermore measures –96.2 dBA at 10 kHz, thereby contributing to a wide and precisely defined stereo image. The ADVANCE III is supplied with a 3-year guarantee and is available in black or silver.

Specifications

• Type: MM/MC phono preamplifier with integrated battery power supply
• Gain: 36–60 dB (16 steps) + 12 dB switchable = 72 dB maximum
• Input impedance: 25–1,800 ohms (31 steps) + 47 kΩ
• Input capacitance: basic 60–100 pF; switchable 47 / 100 / 147 pF
• Input: 1 x RCA
• Output: 1 x RCA
• RIAA equalisation: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• THD: 0.06%
• SNR: –72 dB at 60 dB gain; –94 dB at 36 dB gain
• Channel separation: –96.2 dBA (10 kHz)
• Power supply: integrated lead-gel battery; external charger < 3 VA
• Controls: touchscreen
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 200 x 58.5 x 320 mm
• Finish: black or silver
• Guarantee: 3 years
• Manufacturer: Trigon (Germany)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Trigon ADVANCE III and the Vanguard III?

The key distinction is the power supply — the Vanguard III uses an external transformer supply (Volcano III optional), while the ADVANCE III has a fully integrated battery supply. Consequently, the ADVANCE III is completely isolated from the mains during playback, resulting in a significantly lower noise floor. Furthermore, the ADVANCE III offers a higher maximum gain of 72 dB compared to 66 dB in the Vanguard III.

Is the Trigon ADVANCE III suitable for low-output MC cartridges?

Yes — with a maximum gain of 72 dB and adjustable input impedance from 25 to 1,800 ohms, the ADVANCE III handles virtually any MC cartridge, including low-output models with an output voltage of 0.2 mV or below. Our specialists are happy to advise on the optimal settings for your cartridge.

How does the battery supply work in practice?

During playback, the ADVANCE III switches to battery power and is completely disconnected from the mains. Processor-controlled software monitors the charge level automatically and recharges the batteries when the unit is not in use. The front-panel display shows the current operating state at all times, consequently the battery status is always visible at a glance.