Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Channel Islands Audio VPC-1 Passive Components by greg7

Model:	VPC-1
Category:	Passive Components
Suggested Retail Price:	$249
Description:	Passive Volume Control
Manufacturer URL:	Channel Islands Audio
Manufacturer URL:	Channel Islands Audio

Review by greg7 ( A ) on May 22, 2003 at 12:45:09
IP Address: 24.196.191.154

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for the VPC-1

I replaced a Simaudio Celeste 4001SE with this unit subsequent to an in-home trial (a 30-day trial period is standard). The Channel Island is a pure passive potentiometer without buffering or other impedance compensation. The potentiometer is a custom design manufactured to their specifications. It is based on the Alps with several key improvements for sonics, tracking and longevity according to Channel Island. It offers two inputs with mute. I am very impressed with the build quality, particularly for the price. I also found Channel Island to be excellent to work with as far as their knowledge and customer support.
Being a 'pure' passive preamp there are constraints to whether or not it'll work well in a given system. The following review provides a summary of system requirements:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0102/preamplifiers.htm
In my case a pure passive preamp was an ideal fit and appealed to my audio philosophy of utmost simplicity. My amplifier has the correct benign electrical parameters, my cables are short and my DA Converter provides a high-current 2V output. Plus, I tend to be intolerant of treble brightness so more treble roll off is inconsequential.
In my opinion, the advantage of a passive preamp using just a potentiometer or attenuator is sonic purity beyond even those employing some means of impedance compensation like buffering or transformers since there's even less in the signal path between the source and amplifier.
A layer of hardness or 'electronic' was eliminated in my system by replacing the Celeste with the Channel Island, particularly in the treble. Soundstaging precision, low level detail and harmonic purity were also improved, although the soundstage moved back farther than before with the Celeste. There is the expected slightly diminshed sense of 'drive', bass and dynamics with the Channel Island, giving the music a more relaxed feel. The downside to this would seem obvious (particularly on rock, jazz and alternative), but conversely the music seems more natural and my listening fatigue has diminished. Over time I've noticed I've become accoustomed to the more relaxed sound of the Channel Island and prefer it, regardless of the type of music.

Product Weakness: Very system dependent and the diminished dynamics, bass and 'drive' may not appeal to everyone; lack of flexibility (2 inputs) will be unsuitable for some systems
Product Strengths: Sonic purity, detail retrieval, soundstaging (in my sytem); excellent build quality and customer support

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Simaudio Celeste 4070SE
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	see above
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	EAD DSP7000 III DAC; Roksan Kandy (transport)
Speakers:	Dillon Acoustics Metaphor
Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas Quadlink (speaker); Wireworld Equinox 3 IC's
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	primarily rock, alternative and jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	15 x 12 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	minimal room treatments
Time Period/Length of Audition:	~30 days so far
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	API power wedge; Signal and MIT power cords
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Very system dependent and the diminished dynamics, bass and 'drive' may not appeal to everyone; lack of flexibility (2 inputs) will be unsuitable for some systems
Product Strengths:	Sonic purity, detail retrieval, soundstaging (in my sytem); excellent build quality and customer support