Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Electronic Supply PH-1 Phono Preamp by vocalion

Model:	PH-1
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$599
Description:
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Electronic Supply
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Electronic Supply

Review by vocalion ( A ) on October 31, 2003 at 20:41:02
IP Address: 209.193.71.91

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for the PH-1

The first "juicy-sounding" phono stage that I have ever heard in that there is little of that dryness and steeliness that other phono stages that I have owned or auditioned have exhibited. The integral phono stage in my mid-fi preamp never sounded too objectionable until now - the sound was neutral, dynamic, and clean but it just seems to me not very "human" sounding now. And while the Creek OBH-8SE that I had borrowed prior to owning this was quite a solid little performer I cannot say that I sensed such a living, breathing sound as I do now. This preamp is a smallish, matte black, spartan affair with a single blue LED and one medium-sized knurled knob with gain adjustments (1K, 22K, 47K, 68K) adorning the front. Wooden sides add a touch of warmth, while that bit of orange glow emanates from the two 6SL7 and the single 12AU7 vacuum tubes encased inside of a sturdy cage. But, enough of that already. This review might disappoint some because there is not a lot of effusive, technical info here. But, I was motivated to post after being shocked that no real reviews of this little cherry had been archived here at AA so far. After burning in this component for about 100 hours now, I'll have to say that the "juicy" quality to the sound does not stand out as before. Not that it is not juicy sounding any longer, but I have realized that this pre just sounds so completely natural, in all ways. I guess I was not used to that. So, now I will give this unit the highest praise that I can: "It is the most unremarkable piece of audio gear that I have yet heard (or not heard)." It is quiet, it is human, it breaths. And so, it feels fully at home now. It's just what I wanted.

Product Weakness: Not too pretty?
Product Strengths: Naturalness.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	N.E.W. A-20.1
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Onkyo Integra P-304
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	SOTA Sapphire w/ SME 3009 IIISB + Ortofon OM-20
Speakers:	Epos M12
Cables/Interconnects:	PSL Audio, Mapleshade, Monster, Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All.
Room Size (LxWxH):	15' x 10' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Homemade corner bass traps and wall treatments
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	N/A
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Not too pretty?
Product Strengths:	Naturalness.