Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Monolithic Sound PS-1 Phono Preamp by matthew-m

Model:	PS-1
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$399
Description:	MM/MC Phono Stage
Manufacturer URL:	Monolithic Sound
Model Picture:	View

Review by matthew-m ( A ) on January 28, 2003 at 20:49:05
IP Address: 4.60.74.36

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for the PS-1

I had a chance to compare this unit to a EAR 834P awhile back and I thought I would pass on my impressions of this affordable preamp.
Both were broken in before the audition, and the EAR had the stock tubes. The PS-1 was setup for 47k input loading and maximum gain, and the EAR was used in both MM and MC inputs. I used a low-output Grado Statement Sonata MM cartridge on a Music Hall MMF-5 turntable during the evaluation.
At first I found the two units very similar. With more use, I noticed a more forward presentation with the PS-1, along with a high-pitched hiss, usually associated with solid state equipment. You won't notice this hiss if using a higher output cartridge and lowering the gain of the PS-1. Imaging wasn't quite as wide and the soundstage didn't go as far behind the seakers. When used with the upgraded power supply, I noticed a more controlled bass and smoother highs. This was more subtle than I thought it would be after reading reviews in the magazines. Please keep in mind it took me almost 2 months to come to these conclusions!
Overall the PS-1 is a very good value. It is flexible, with adjustable gain and cartridge loading, and can easily grow with your system and tastes as they progress.

Product Weakness: None worth mentioning, especially for a product at this price.
Product Strengths: Flexibility, low cost.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Rotel 40x6
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	custom
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	See review
Speakers:	Manger drivers, custom cabinets
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber Silver Streak and 4TC
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Blues
Room Size (LxWxH):	14 x 13 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	None worth mentioning, especially for a product at this price.
Product Strengths:	Flexibility, low cost.