Rothwell Headspace II MC headamp with rechargeable battery, 4 gain settings and 8 load settings for MC cartridges and MM phono inputs. Read more.
The Rothwell Headspace II is the updated version of the Headspace, designed as a moving coil headamp or pre-preamp for vinyl playback systems. Its purpose is to raise the low output of an MC cartridge to a level suitable for a moving magnet phono input. In that sense, it performs a role similar to a step-up transformer, but it uses transistors rather than transformers. For vinyl listeners who want to keep their existing MM phono stage while adding proper MC cartridge support, it is a flexible and practical upgrade.
The Headspace II offers four gain settings and eight load settings, giving users useful control when matching different moving coil cartridges. These adjustment options can help optimise level, tonal balance and cartridge behaviour without relying on a fixed-gain solution. Rothwell has retained the same audio circuit as the original Headspace, while adding a rechargeable battery for the new version. During playback the unit can operate independently of mains power, with the supplied power supply used for battery charging.
In a typical system, the Rothwell Headspace II sits between a turntable fitted with an MC cartridge and an MM phono input on an amplifier or separate phono preamplifier. It is well suited to listeners who want to experiment with cartridge loading, upgrade an analogue front end, or make an MC cartridge compatible with existing equipment. Use good-quality interconnects, place it away from avoidable interference, and keep the battery charged. Explore the Headspace II as a refined way to expand your vinyl setup.
