Bakoon Products SCL CAP-1004 Multi-Curve Phono Equalizer

Reproduce the charm of vintage discs with 6 types of EQ curves. Battery operation ensures noise-free performance.

The CAP series was created to provide high-quality music in a compact size that fits perfectly into tight spaces. The CAP-1004 is a multi-curve phono equalizer amplifier developed specifically to play vintage analog discs more accurately.

Equipped with 6 types of equalizer curves

• Support for vintage records: Records made before 1960 used various equalizer curves, not just the current standard RIAA curve.
• Curve Selection: In addition to the currently standard RIAA, the CAP-1004 features 5 other older equalizer curves, for a total of 6 curves:

RIAA / NAB / COLUMBIA / FFRR / AES / OLD RCA

• Accurate sound reproduction: Easily recreate the original sound of vintage analog discs that varied due to different equalizer curves, and enjoy their true essence.

High-precision adjustment for cartridges

• MM/MC compatibility and gain switching: In addition to switching between MM and MC cartridges, the equalizer’s gain can be switched across 4 levels.0 dB is used for MC cartridges with low output voltage, and −30 dB for high-output cartridges exceeding 10 mV.

• High-precision design: When switching equalizer curves, gain variation at 1 kHz is designed to remain within ±0.3 dB, making it easy to accurately confirm sound changes when changing curves.
• Mute function: By using the mute function, you can suppress noise when switching each selector, replacing cartridges, or cleaning the needle tip.

Battery-powered to block out noise

• Noise-free operation: The power can be supplied by a USB charger or a mobile battery. Using a mobile battery prevents interference from commercial power sources, allowing the CAP-1004 to operate in its optimal condition.
• Long usage time: With a current consumption of 5V/250mA, it is possible to use it for about 40 hours with a 10Ah battery.

Spec

A sense of clarity brought by precise phono curve correction

The biggest feature of the CAP-1004 is that it supports multiple historical phono curves in addition to RIAA. In actual listening tests, the changes in sound when switching curves are clear, and as the frequency balance is adjusted, the focus of the sound image naturally comes together. Especially for records from before the RIAA era, low-end swelling and high-end roughness are suppressed, revealing the original recording more clearly.

High S/N ratio and quiet background

Designed for battery operation, it has extremely low hum and power-related noise. The background is deep and calm, allowing subtle sounds and reverberations to stand out without being buried. Noise, which can be problematic during record playback, is minimized, providing a playback environment where it is easier to concentrate on the music, even with old records.

Neutral and uncolored tone

The tonal quality is neutral across the board, without emphasizing any particular frequency band. It doesn’t give you the feeling of the typical 'phono equalizer sound,' and it allows the characteristics of the cartridge and tonearm to come through naturally. The midrange is natural, with no unnatural exaggeration in the texture of vocals or string instruments. The high frequencies are also smooth and minimally harsh.

Soundstage and Imaging

Thanks to precise equalization and a low-noise design, the soundstage is clear and the positioning of instruments is well-defined. The depth direction is expressed naturally, with orchestral and chamber music showing good separation, making it hard for overlapping performances to become muddled. The sound images do not project too far forward, creating a relaxed sense of stage presence.

The Enjoyment Unique to Multi-Curve Models

The CAP-1004 is not just a multifunctional phono equalizer; it also provides the enjoyment of comparing records from different production years and labels. Switching curves changes the expression of the music, revealing new discoveries even with the same record, a point repeatedly mentioned in specialty magazines.

Overall Assessment

The CAP-1004 is a phono equalizer that carefully brings out the original information of records, focusing on accurate phono curve correction, high S/N ratio, and colorless playback. It supports a wide range from vintage to current records and is a highly refined choice for users who want to enjoy phono playback on a deeper level.

Bakoon ProductsCollectors of vintage analog discs understand this well; they often want to listen to their records using the equalizer curves from the time they were recorded. In reality, there are very few phono amps that allow such curve selection, so that alone makes the CAP-1004 a worthy purchase. Since record sleeves rarely indicate the recording format, finding out which equalizer curve a record uses involves some trial and error—which is part of the fun. While listening to a favorite track, you may think, 'How about this curve?' or 'Oh, so it sounds like this...' The exploration never ends. The extremely high transparency, lively and high-quality sound, and very low noise level are also noteworthy. Enjoyable moments pass by in the blink of an eye.

A Masterpiece of Phono Equalizers Pursuing CP

It truly feels like opening Pandora’s box. If you own stereo records from the early 1960s, this is a definite buy.
Monophonic records from the 1950s see a remarkable improvement in sound, transforming what was once dismissed as the character of old recordings into something surprisingly clear and vibrant.
However, there are many records where it’s unclear if the EQ curve is truly accurate, so the listener’s judgment is crucial. Whether this process feels easy or troublesome depends on the skill and patience of the owner. I rated it four stars partly because some of the components are relatively cheap and the power supply (using a 5V mobile battery) may affect performance, though using AC power, a PC audio power supply, or a noise-cutting transformer can produce quite good results. The sound quality is outstanding, reminiscent of the phono preamp of FM Acoustic I once heard, with an SN ratio exceeding 130 dB. The gain settings allow precise adjustment for MC cartridges, making it compatible with all types of cartridges. It even sounds great without routing through a transformer. The muting function during EQ curve switching and the volume adjustments for each EQ curve are well thought out, making this a meticulously designed phono preamp. It truly feels like opening Pandora’s box. If you own stereo records from the early 1960s, this is definitely worth buying.