Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Art Audio Vinyl One Phono Preamp by the analog kid

Model:	Vinyl One
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$2,495.00
Description:	Tubed Phono Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Art Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by the analog kid ( A ) on May 01, 2003 at 18:38:45
IP Address: 35.12.20.167

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for the Vinyl One

Well, I'm somewhat reluctant to post a raving positive review, given that the last time I did (regarding Bogdan cables) I was blasted as a "shill." Oh well, consider my learning curve to be stunted!
I've had the pleasure of owning a black Art Audio Vinyl One tubed phono preamp for several months now. This phono stage seems to have received very little attention from vinyl fans (the rave review on Soundstage notwithstanding). For those of you unfamiliar with this unit, it's a dual mono design with separate trannies for each channel, and sports 3 12AX7's and 1 6FQ7. Single volume control (Alps pot) is optional. I purchased my unit as a demo from Galen Carol Audio. I was somewhat skeptical of going the "volume pot" route (given that I already had an AI M3A to handle gain variation), but Galen encouraged me to give it a try. I'm glad I did.
I purchased the unit out of curiosity, and at Galen's recommendation. I had owned my ARC PH3SE for two years, and was interested in the comparison. I also was inspired by all of the rave press other Art Audio products had garnered, and by Galen's enthusiasm for their products.
Upon arrival, I was very impressed by the build and finish quality. There are separate boards for the two channels, and it's a VERY simple circuit (I'm by no means an electronics expert, but even an idiot like me can recognize a simply and beautifully laid out design when I see one). Top flight parts throughout, including large Hovland Musicaps.
The unit was already broken in, so it really was a matter of "plug and play." Freshly plugged in, it bested the ARC in virtually every way aligned with my preferences. It has exceptional high and low frequency extension (similar to the 3SE), but a more natural and sweet overall presentation. NOT added euphonics, just more MUSICAL. I don't know any other way to describe it - no handy audiophile labels to put on it. But going back and forth between the ARC and the Vinyl One, it was no contest which one sounded more like real music to my ears. I posted the ARC on Audiogon the next day.
The next thing I did was try running it direct into my Pass Aleph 5, dropping the M3A out of the circuit completely. The sonic improvement was astonishing - better and clearer highs and lows, enhanced transparency, etc. Given that I never run ANY source other than vinyl in my reference system, out went the M3A onto Audiogon as well!
I now run my Vinyl One straight into my Aleph 5. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to have a total of ONE KNOB in my ENTIRE system. I know that I'm probably offending purists here (I've actually never had a component before that used a pot - I've always had attenuators, given their "superiority"), but let me tell you, the Vinyl One MAKES MUSIC. And I like the fine gradations in gain that are controllable with the little Alps up front. Months have gone by, and I'm a happy guy. Whether it's CSN, Rush, Smashing Pumpkins, Perfect Circle, Allman Brothers, Neil Young, Sarah McLachlan, Vaughn Williams, Corelli, or Beatles, the Vinyl One presents them all with aplomb. It's incredibly coherent top to bottom, with just a hint of sweetness, but sings when it needs to and rocks when it needs to. I can't for the life of me identify a sonic deficiency - built like a rock, dead silent, I turn it on and it plays music (with more than enough gain, I should note - I think it's 70db). And for $26 list, you're talking MAJOR bang for the buck (the 3SE ALONE lists for that, and having the Vinyl One has enabled me to drop a preamp completely from my system). Highly recommended.

Product Weakness: None that I have yet discovered.
Product Strengths: Beautiful build quality and design; natural, sweet tone, exceptionally musical.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Pass Aleph 5
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Basis 1400/OL Silver 250/Grado Statement
Speakers:	Totem Forests
Cables/Interconnects:	Silversmith Pure Silver
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	rock, female vocal, classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 11 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	RPG Diffusors
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster HTS2000
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Reference home system

Product Weakness:	None that I have yet discovered.
Product Strengths:	Beautiful build quality and design; natural, sweet tone, exceptionally musical.