Lab 12 Melto 2
Reference-Class Performance. Extraordinary Flexibility.
A great phono stage should faithfully amplify the tiny signal generated by your cartridge without imposing a character of its own. When it succeeds, you’re free to hear your turntable, your cartridge, and ultimately your records exactly as they are. It’s a philosophy that guides every Lab 12 component, and one the Melto 2 embraces with remarkable transparency.
The Lab 12 Melto 2 is a reference-class phono stage designed for record collectors who want to reveal everything going on in their analog system and record collection. It combines an uncompromising tube signal path with an unusually thoughtful approach to cartridge optimization, making it just as valuable for a single cherished cartridge as it is for a lifetime spent exploring analog playback.
A Deeper Conversation with Your Records
The Melto 2 gets out of the way, inviting you to listen deeper into the music. Inner harmonies, backing vocals, and supporting musical lines emerge naturally, making it easier to follow the musical conversations between performers and discover how familiar recordings are woven together.
It also encourages a deeper understanding of your analog front end. Every cartridge has its own personality. Small changes in loading, gain, and equalization can dramatically influence the way music is presented. Rather than treating those adjustments as a one-time setup task, the Melto 2 invites exploration.
Using the supplied remote and front-panel OLED display, every critical setting can be adjusted from the listening chair while the music continues to play. Hear the effect of each change immediately, refine the presentation to suit your cartridge. Your preferred settings are saved for future listening.
Designed to Grow with Your Listening
We chose the Melto 2 because it never asks you to choose between simplicity and capability. It performs beautifully in a system built around a single turntable and cartridge, yet offers the flexibility of three independently configurable inputs with stored settings for listeners whose systems and curiosity continue to evolve.
Whether your enjoyment comes from spinning a favorite record on the same cartridge every weekend or comparing multiple tonearms, cartridges, and treasured pressings, the Melto 2 grows naturally with your listening without ever making the experience feel complicated.
Key Features
Architecture
Fully tube signal path with dedicated MM circuitry and Lundahl step-up transformers for MC cartridges.
Three Configurable Inputs
Store independent gain, loading, capacitance, EQ, and mono/stereo settings for each input.
Remote Cartridge Optimization
Adjust every critical setting from the listening chair using the supplied remote and front-panel OLED display.
Playback Equalization
RIAA, Decca, and Columbia EQ curves support both modern LPs and historic recordings.
Precision Circuit Design
Lab 12’s SRSG™ and Fine Symmetry™ topology promote low noise, excellent channel separation, and stable imaging.
System Connectivity
Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs integrate easily into virtually any high-performance audio system.
Specifications
Gain: MM 38dB, MC 58/64dB
Input Impedance: (25 ohm – 47Kohm)
Input Capacitance: (0-300pF)
Available Curves: RIAA, DECCA, Columbia
Tube Complement: 2 E88CC, 2 6n2p-EV
Inputs: 3 line stereo (RCA)
Outputs: 2 line stereo (1 RCA, 1 XLR)
Available Colors: Matt Black, Frozen Silver
Dimensions: 43x11x29 cm (WxHxD)
Weight: 8 Kg