“…And even before we start talking about the music examples, I just have to say it like it is: Lab 12 Melto 2 is a firework of an RIAA stage!”

“The ease of use in combination with sound quality is still quite unique, and notice how good this stage is on moving magnet, here I actually can’t think of any RIAA’s that have grabbed me harder…”.

-Haakon Rognlien

“My biggest discovery

The biggest news this month was not the Tzar’s torque. It was the Lab12 Melto2’s ability to coax the tiniest, most delicate subtleties from every cartridge I tried. It put the Tzar in a tuxedo.

It made the Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 moving magnet sound like a top-shelf moving coil. It made the Nagaoka MP-200 sound like a Koetsu. It forced all my other phono stages to hide under the bed. At the moment, I can think of no phono stage I’d rather use than the Lab12 Melto2. Bravo, Stratos Vichos.”

-Herb Reichert

“The LAB12 MELTO 2 phono stage is one of the most unique and sought-after devices in the audiophile world today. Whether you are a vintage enthusiast or a modern technology addict, this device offers a sound experience that manages to combine the depth of classic analog sound with the convenience and precision that the modern era offers…”

“…The MELTO2 is the ideal choice for audiophiles looking for a phono stage with advanced flexibility that allows for individual tuning, and is specifically designed for those looking to upgrade their analog system to the next level. With remote control capabilities, advanced Curve EQ, and perfect integration with LAB12 amplifiers, the MELTO2 delivers a full and accurate listening experience. The device is suitable for record collectors, those who appreciate the vintage sound, and those looking for a clean and detailed modern sound”.

-Lior Vikel

“…The practical breadth of connectivity and various settings will satisfy even the demanding owner of really great turntables and portables, but absolutely everyone will appreciate the reproduction of vinyl records with an amazingly quiet background and carefully controlled, natural-sounding sound that is truly a joy to listen to…  Lab12 melto2 is analog extra class!”

– Daniel Brezina

“The sound quality of the LAB12 melto2 satisfied me in every way in an exceptional way. It provides a neutral and brilliantly clean performance with excellent detail and accurate delivery of the bass band. With its extremely dark sound background for a tube device, even the most subtle nuances of the sound recording can stand out clearly and distinctly.

However, it is not only an excellent gramophone preamplifier from the user’s point of view, but also a great working tool. With its superior input equipment and the possibility of individual equalization of its sound output, it allowed me to extract, I dare say, almost the absolute maximum from each LP. So for someone who is at least a little serious about reading audio information from records, the LAB12 melto2 should be one of the significant alternatives when choosing.”

– Viktor Kubal

“…—twenty years ago we were describing high-end audio components as being either musical or revealing, colored or analytical, warm or cool, neutral or not. With the finest gear, you don’t have to pick one over the other. You can have it all—warmth and inner detail can live in complete harmony. The Lab12 Melto2 fit this description…”

– Marc Phillips

“..This is a product that instantly restores the faith in our beloved industry and into the people/brands that are doing the things in the right way. Melto2 is a 21st-century tube phono preamplifier that is no shy of features; it’s seducingly involving and with a right dose of technocratic appeal to sparkle the interest of ardent audiophiles and music lovers…

With the ability to host three phono inputs, selectable MM/MC inputs, hi-low gain setting and correspondent matching impedance loading, mono/stereo switch; all selectable from the listening position Lab12 Melto2 is no happy accident. This is a matured, fully fledged contemporary tube phono with an impact, performance and price to match!…”

– Matej Isak 

“..After two days of listening, I was actually in a frenzy. High-end can be so seductive and convincing. I reach for the superlative: This is the best phono preamp that has made a guest appearance in the LowBeats listenning room so far . Or in other words: new reference!…”

– Andreas Günther

“..It is clear to me that, in the case of melto2, we are dealing with a well-balanced design, one which ideally blends the advantages of high quality, tube-based, circuit, with good connectivity and great attention to the details. These, result in a skillfully voiced device, offering a natural but both ear- and program-friendly listening experience, a pair of attributes that sets the basis of a great audiophile phono preamplifier. Moreover, melto2 is highly adjustable and very easy to use, suitable for systems with a good analog front-end and users with a serious record collection, at a reasonable price. Highly recommended!”

– Dimitris Stamatakos

“…Sonically this is the easiest to get on with phonostage I’ve heard in our system. It is quiet to the point of silent in operation, allowing me to really get into a recording’s detail, but at the same time it is relaxed, unhurried and natural sounding in its delivery.  There is a definite feeling to music having more space around individual instruments and those instruments sit in the soundstage with a solidity that is uncanny.”

– Stuart Smith

“…Phonostages are one of the bits of kit that kind of play a supporting role in a system and, when they are right, they just make everything sing.  This one is definitely right…I’d go as far as to say it’s deserving of a Best Supporting Actor Oscar!…”

–Linette Smith