General Asylum: REVIEW: C I Audio VPC-1 Preamplifier (SS) by franjy@aol.com

Model:	VPC-1
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$249.00
Description:	Passive Volume Control
Manufacturer URL:	C I Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by franjy@aol.com ( A ) on May 04, 2002 at 19:21:29
IP Address: 24.52.36.32

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for the VPC-1

In an attempt to find a passive "preamp" that would sound best in my system, I started my search by ordering 3 of the least expensive ones and where each was of a different type.
The Channel Islands VPC-1 at $249.00: A 10K ohm potentiometer.

The Goldpoint SA-1 at $289.00: A 10k ohm, (other values available) 24 position series type stepped attenuator.
The ASL Passive TI: A 12 position stepped autoformer.
DISCLAIMER: The following opinions are based on my system only. My Mac MC122 has a 10k input impedance, my subwoofer has a 20k input, for a combined 7.5K input impedance. Not considered optimum. But as you'll see, you shouldn't let that get in your way. All of these units are of high quality and I'm sure sound differently in different systems. I think many systems would be improved be replacing the preamp with a passive attenuator.
The CI VPC-1 was the first to arrive. A very nice looking, well built unit which matched my CI VDA-1 DAC. Fitted with a stereo potentiometer, 2 inputs, and 1 output, it was obviously the simplest of the three, requiring a "Y" plug for the powered sub. But since I was very impressed with the CI DAC, I had to give it a try. The first selection I played was "My Foolish Heart" from the "Waltz for Debbie" album. The clarity and detail and air that emerged was the best I'd heard on my system and the bass was also tighter and more integrated. The voices in the crowd were so clear I could actually make out what some of them were saying, all without sounding bright or harsh. There was no problem with volume either, as it played very loud at 12 oclock. I did however feel that it sounded a bit thin but since this was right out of the box, I felt it might improve, which it did, after a week of leaving it on and playing it and changing the digital cable from Belden 1506a to 1695a. I was beginning to feel sorry I had ordered the other 2 units as I couldn't imagine them sounding any better, but I was curious.
The ASL passive TI arrives 1 week after the CI.
A very impressive looking unit with the weight and style of a real preamp
with many inputs and 2 outputs. No "Y" plug needed here. The TI comes with separate left and right volume controls but since there's a 4 DB volume change with each gradation, it's useless as a balance control. Since I felt each change in volume might need breaking in, I set it on one setting and let it run in about a week. I put the CI away and didn't listen to it again until I had finished with all 3 units. As some reviews have suggested the TI sounds more "tube like" than other passives and I tend to agree, with "like" being the operative word. It was a rich sounding unit with full bass
but with less detail and immediency than the CI.
A day later the Goldpoint SA-1 arrived. It was much better looking than the photograph on the Goldpoint site and slightly larger than the CI. It also came with one output and 2 inputs. Again, thinking each volume step might need breaking in, I left it on one setting for break in and auditioning. The SA-1 was also a very clear and detailed unit. The 24 step attenuator was really nice, so easy to return to the same setting. The only problem I had was with the bass sounding a little muddy on my system. The owner E-mailed me and said his new unit might suit me better.
Now after 2 weeks I went back to the CI. Again the first thing I played was "My Foolish Heart" and after just a few seconds I knew the CI was the clear choice. Without getting into overused sonic descriptions, let me say, in my system it just sounded more alive than the other units. It went a long way towards making my humble system sound like a much more expensive one. Highly recommended.

Product Weakness: No markings on volume control. Only one output.
Product Strengths: Clarity, detail, alive sounding and coherent without harshness.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McIntosh MC122
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CI Audio VPC-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Modwrighted Pioneer 333 transport, CI VDA-1 DAC
Speakers:	JM Reynaud Twins MK 2
Cables/Interconnects:	Jon Risch Twisted Pair, Chris VH Power cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Waltz for Debbie, MJQ In a crowd, Cafe Blue.
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 15 x 8 to 12
Room Comments/Treatments:	Drapes, scatter rugs.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	No markings on volume control. Only one output.
Product Strengths:	Clarity, detail, alive sounding and coherent without harshness.