Grimm Audio Introduces PW1 Phono Preamplifier

All Image Credit: Grimm Audio

Grimm Audio introduces the PW1 phono preamplifier, or as Grimm Audio’s co-founder Peter van Willenswaard and chief designer of the PW1 calls it, the ‘Phono Wizard’. According to Peter; “One could call the PW1 an ‘understated’ device. It does not try to attract attention with a HiFi-like sound to impress its competitors. Its goal is to convey the emotion in the music and in the sound of voices and instruments. And to create a spatial image in which (if the recording allows it) you can feel the air vibrate, almost touch it. It manages to carry you along in the message of the composers and performers, of the orchestras, singer/songwriters and bands”.

Grimm Audio’s PW1 phono preamplifier is a minimalist circuit design reducing the component count in the signal path to a minimum, therefore allowing music to flow with minimal “interference”. The solid state FET phono preamplifier is claimed by Peter to match his best tube based designs in their sound quality. Each amplification stage, MC/MM/EQ, uses a single active component, with selected op-amps to buffer and maintain signal quality.

The PW1 design uses field-effect transistors (FET) for their high input impedance and musical amplification characteristics. A specialized low-noise FET with 0.7 nV/√Hz noise was selected for the moving coil (MC) input, ensuring an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of ≥80 dB. The slightly higher harmonic distortion when compared to some competitors, is said to primarily consist of 2nd harmonic components, which are less intrusive and are considered by many to contribute to natural sound dynamics. RIAA equalization is achieved passively.

Unlike many phono stages, the PW1 incorporates the power supply into its housing, using a custom-built, low-noise transformer from Amplimo. The aluminum case and copper sub-chassis further shield against electromagnetic interference.

The PW1 offers a range of both resistive and capacitive loads for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Gain options include an additional 10 dB for MM inputs and up to 77 dB for MC. Access is via a sliding bottom panel door giving easy access to the various DIP switches.

Rear panel signal connectivity includes; separate dedicated stereo unbalanced RCA inputs for MM and MC cartridges and stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. Other connections include a grounding lug and IEC AC input-no grounding pin.

Specifications:

• Connections:
  • MM/RIAA gain: 37 dB ±1 dB. Sensitivity: typical 5 mV.
  • MC gain: MM/RIAA gain plus 20 or 30 dB. Sensitivity: typical 500 µV (20 dB gain) or 160 µV (30 dB gain).
  • Optional output boost: +10 dB.
  • Output impedance: 100 Ω (RCA and XLR).
  • Recommended output load impedance: > 10 kΩ.
• Input impedance:
  • MM resistive: 47 kΩ
  • MM capacitive: 47 pF, plus optional 47 pF, 100 pF, and/or 220 pF in parallel.
  • MC resistive: 47 kΩ, plus optional 33 Ω, 100 Ω, 330 Ω and/or 1 kΩ in parallel.
  • MC capacitive: 330 pF, plus optional 330 pF and/or 680 pF in parallel.
• Performance:
  • THD+N:
    • MM ≤ -45 dB (1 kHz, 5 mV)
    • MC ≤ -45 dB (1 kHz, 500 µV)
  • SNR CCIR-2k:
    • MM ≥ 80 dB (+0 dB position, ref. 5 mV);
    • MC ≥ 76 dB (+20 dB position, ref. 500 µV); ≥ 80 dB (+30 dB position, ref. 500 µV).
  • Overload margin:
    • MM 24 dB (1 kHz, 5 mV)
    • MC 24 dB (1 kHz, 500 µV)
  • RIAA precision: ±0.5 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
  • Channel imbalance: ≤ 0.5 dB.
  • Crosstalk:
    • MM ≥ 90 dB (1 kHz, 5 mV)
    • MC ≥ 86 dB (1 kHz, 500 µV)
• General:
  • IEC C18 type line voltage connector (without safety earth pin). Class 2 isolation.
  • Weight: 3.3 kg.
  • Dimensions (w x d x h): 100 x 250 x 100 mm.

MSRP:

• US: $4,900.00
• UK: £4,695.00
• EU: €4,800.00

For more information visit the Grimm Audio web site.

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