SKU: 51695403257

Sutherland Engineering TZ Vibe Trans-Impedance Input Phono Preamplifier

Sale price$1345.50 Regular price$1495.00
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $373.75 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 26 - Jul 31

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Sutherland Engineering TZ Vibe Trans-Impedance Input Phono PreamplifierSutherland has the advantage of many model designs over the years. Every so often there is an opportunity to do some design splicing. All of that valuable knowledge and experience is combined into the TZ VIBE. Ron Sutherland Ron Sutherland has been making phono preamps for a very long time. By focusing almost exclusively on phono preamps, his design and circuitry has benefited from continued refinement and improvement over the years. All of those

“Sutherland has the advantage of many model designs over the years. Every so often there is an opportunity to do some ‘design splicing’. All of that valuable knowledge and experience is combined into the TZ VIBE.”
Ron Sutherland

Ron Sutherland has been making phono preamps for a very long time. By focusing almost exclusively on phono preamps, his design and circuitry has benefited from continued refinement and improvement over the years. All of those designs were based upon voltage amplification. The cartridge delivers a small voltage to the phono preamp input. This voltage is then multiplied to create a larger output voltage (along with RIAA EQ). A typical voltage multiplier of 1,000 can also be expressed as 60dB. One millivolt in → one volt out.

In recent times you may have noticed a new kind of phono preamp design, usually referred to as ‘current input’ or ‘trans-impedance’. Until recently, that approach has been very much in the background. However, many audiophiles are now switching over to this style of phono preamplification because it offers some serious benefits. The first trans-impedance phono preamp released by Sutherland Engineering was the PHONO LOCO, which is an ‘all-out’ very high-performance design. Following the immediate success of the PHONO LOCO, there naturally followed a challenge to bring a big measure of that performance to a lower priced model. Sutherland launched the LITTLE LOCO but in recent times, Ron responded to a call to create a trans-impedance phono preamp at an even more accessible price point – the TZ VIBE! The design has combined elements from two of their well established and highly regarded products. The KC VIBE provides the foundation and second gain stage. The little LOCO Mk2 provides the transimpedance (TZ) input gain stage.

According to a rapidly growing number of music lovers around the world, these new ‘current input’ or ‘trans-impedance’ design phono preamplifiers are attracting a lot of attention and respect because they have a unique ability to ‘dig deep into the music’ and ‘bring it to life’. They are dead quiet and very dynamic. The TZ VIBE has most of the magic that has made the LITTLE LOCO an instant classic but at a much -reduced pricing level. As long as you use exclusively MC phono cartridges, the TZ VIBE will not only enthral you… it is a true giant killer.

What is Current Input?

In short, the input signal comes from the current flowing through the cartridge, NOT the voltage from the cartridge. That current information is the input for a transimpedance gain stage (the input signal is current and the output signal is voltage). The connections on the back panel of the TZ VIBE appear to be totally conventional. There is a ground screw for grounding the turntable, two RCA jacks for the input signal from the turntable and two RCA jacks deliver an output signal to your line-level preamp. There is, however, a requirement that both coil connections float with respect to ground. Turntable grounds and cable shields need to go to a separate ground wire. There must be no direct connection from either coil side to chassis ground.

System Considerations

The TZ VIBE presents a virtual short as the cartridge load. Instead of voltage being the input parameter, it is the current generated by the cartridge that conveys musical content. The endless worry about finding the ‘best’ load value is obviated. The cartridge must be the moving coil type. Those with low output will be embraced. Not compatible with moving magnet or moving iron or step-up transformers. Thanks to the new little LOCO Mk2 circuit, the shell of the RCA input jack is now at ground. There are no special TT cable requirements.

Load Settings

There are no loading adjustments in the TZ VIBE. Your cartridge will see a load of zero Ohms. The input signal will be the current your cartridge produces into that virtual short. No need to worry about or fuss around with loading choices.

Gain Settings

Your TZ VIBE is factory-set to medium gain. That should work very well in most situations. The usual concerns about cartridge output voltage do not apply here. Cartridges of varied output voltage specs tend to supply about the same level of drive current into a short. i.e. higher output voltages usually have an associated higher internal resistance. Lower output voltages usually have an associated lower internal resistance.
If your particular situation would benefit from a gain adjustment, you can change it. Inside, on the red circuit board, you will see movable shunts for gain setting. From the factory, they are set to MED GAIN. You can boost the output voltage by 6dB when the shunts are moved to HIGH GAIN. You can reduce the output voltage by 6dB when the shunts are moved to LOW GAIN.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The TZ VIBE design has combined elements from two of our well established and highly regarded products. The KC VIBE provides the foundation and second gain stage. The little LOCO Mk2 provides the transimpedance (TZ) input gain stage. It is an incredible opportunity to try the Sutherland transimpedance experience at a more accessible price.


    Shipping Notes
    • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
    • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
    • Delivery to the USA:
    1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
    • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
    Exchange/Return Notes
    • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
    • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
    • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
    • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
    SKU: 51695403257

    Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

    Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

    4.3 ★★★★★
    Based on 6 reviews
    Sort
    Highest Rating
    Newest First
    Oldest First
    Product Reviews
    H
    Verified Purchase
    Hardy
    Natrona Heights, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Love it
    I’m honestly impressed with this mouse. The Wireless Optical Mouse works exactly as it should—simple, reliable, and smooth. Setup was instant, just plug in the USB receiver and it’s ready to go. No lag or connectivity issues at all. The tracking is precise, and it feels comfortable even after long use. The battery life is solid, and I like that it goes into sleep mode to save power. It’s lightweight but still feels well-built, not cheap. For the price, this is a great value. If you need a dependable wireless mouse without overpaying for unnecessary features, this is a perfect choice.
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026
    G
    Verified Purchase
    Gutale
    Bozeman, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Amazon basics mouse
    Good mouse with hight quality. Works like a charm. I recommend for anyone looking for a cheap high quality Amazon basics mouse. You wont regret it.
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2026
    M
    Verified Purchase
    Mustangjim1
    New York, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Awesome quality mouse
    Fantastic value. First it feels like a quality mouse and works like a mouse 3-4x the price. It is solid and has nice weight to it, not like some of the flimsy competitors. I am buying another just to have.
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
    M
    Verified Purchase
    M. S. Walker
    Lowell, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Great Mouse
    I normally use the Logitech M325c. I've gone through dozens over the years. It works very well, but they seem to wear out fast; the wheel scroll is what fails. I decided to give the Amazon Basics a try. So far, it looks, feels, and functions the same as the Ltech; it doesn't have the fun colors, but if it holds up longer than a year, it's a fair tradeoff. I will revise this review if things change in the future, but as of now, I would recommend the Amazon Basics and will replace the other Ltech's when the time comes.
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026
    E
    Verified Purchase
    Elizabeth Gibbons
    Whiting, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Works great!
    Color: Blue
    The mouse gave me a little trouble when it was in the back port of my pc tower, but worked perfect when i plugged it into one at the front. The light was flickering for "low power" despite new batteries being in it, but worked great after playing with it for a few minutes. The mouse is really easy to work with and is silent, which is nice when you're in an atmosphere with other people. I found it fit well in my hand and didn't cause any discomfort. i believe it to be reasonably priced for the design.
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2026

    recommand products