Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio Trio P-200 Preamplifier (SS) by bullethead

Model:	Trio P-200
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1,000
Description:	PS Audio Trio P-200 preamp with Balanced input/output
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by bullethead on December 08, 2009 at 18:05:34
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for the Trio P-200

I picked up a used PS-Audio Trio P-200 preamp this past weekend. I thought it would be a good match to my Bel Canto S300 class-D amplifier. The reason I picked this unit up was I thought it would make a great way to get analogue inputs into my setup (I was using a Bel Canto DAC3 for the volume control before, it only has digital inputs). I was right.

Most reviews are raving and ranting about how great their new "unit" seems to be in their system. I am satisfied with the sound this little preamp produces. I managed to get the preamp for $680 which is affordable for what this thing allows me to do with it. When first selecting a preamp I made sure that it had balanced inputs and outputs as well as at least 1 analogue input. The PS-Audio P-200 has a selectable balanced/unbalanced input as the first input, as well as two additional unbalanced inputs making the total inputs = 3. The PS-Audio Trio P-200 uses something called "gain cell" technology. This has been used in preamps in the past and it is considered a non-traditional way to control the output of the signal. I have to say I am happy with what the preamp does, how it looks, how it sounds and most of all it's small and cool footprint.

On to the sound. I believe this little pre has a lot of gain, reason I say this is because as I said before I was using a DAC3 as the preamp previously. The output from my amplifier is a lot louder now and I feel I am taking advantage of the amplifier in my system more so than before. Also definition of instruments is more refined at medium to moderate levels. After a certain point however the preamp produces a lot of distortion, which can be tamed by listening to moderate to loud levels. The distortion is only when the preamp is turned up to "insane" levels which could cause hearing damage. Whether this is the preamp or my speakers I have no clue, however listening to the preamp at normal to loud levels you'll find a pleasant experience, and really get into the music. I have to note at the "insane" levels I had ringing in my ears for a couple of minutes and normally this is not recommended :)

Sound has a metallic quality to it, not so much a glaze of fatigue, but nontheless an electronic characteristic which can be found in most low end solid state preamplifiers. Neutrality is leveled off a bit and the sound seems to be wrapped in a gentle metallic sound. The preamp is used and broken in already. For the price I can only compare it to an AES AE-3 tube preamp. The AES had more imminent detail but fell short on body and weight. The PS-Audio has more body and weight, more heft to the instruments and it does have that solid state sound which the AES does not. I prefer the PS-Audio to the AES due to the fact that I like to listen to a lot of heavy metal music as well as ambient music which needs the force behind it to create atmosphere.

Product Weakness:	metallic aftertaste
Product Strengths:	power, small size

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto S-300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): PS Audio Trio P-200
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bel Canto CD-2 / Pro-Ject Debut III
Speakers: Harbeth Compact 7 ES-3
Cables/Interconnects: Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Ambient, Black Metal
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Quintet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Bel Canto S-300
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	PS Audio Trio P-200
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bel Canto CD-2 / Pro-Ject Debut III
Speakers:	Harbeth Compact 7 ES-3
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Ambient, Black Metal
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 week
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Quintet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner