REVIEW: Ampapa A1 Preamplifier (Tube)

Model:	A1
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$139
Description:	Line and Phono (MM) Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Ampapa
Model Picture:	View

Review by svisner on January 24, 2023 at 06:45:38
IP Address: 96.83.74.33 Add Your Review
for the A1

It's not easy to characterize this unit, or place it in the proper category. The Ampapa A1 has both line-level and phono-level (MM) inputs, line-level outputs, a headphone amplifier, and bass and treble controls. I am using it as a desktop preamplifier, driving it with Schiit and SMSL DACs. I have not tried its phono inputs, though reviewers have been kind to the unit in regard to its phono capabilities.

I am pleased overall. It has a very low noise floor (undetectable on my desktop system). Clarity and cross-talk are excellent. Frequency response seems extended at both ends. Its imaging is surprisingly good. At least one on-line reviewer found its high-end a bit "glassy." It would not call it "liquid," but it's not by any means harsh.

Listening via its headphone output is quite nice; it drives my Hifiman Sundara headphones to more than adequate levels without distortion, so it seems to have sufficient output power.

For $139, this unit does a lot of things, and it does them well. It's highly flexible, and for a desktop system (perhaps its principal intended use), it serves well. It allows for extended listening through both desktop speakers (in my case, pretty good ones) headphones.

One last thing: The A1 is an unusual looking piece of kit, and I like it on my desktop.

Product Weakness:	Not the very last word in refinement in the higher frequency ranges, though its tone controls are helpful in this regard.
Product Strengths:	Flexibility, low noise floor, low distortion.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Crown XLS 1002
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Ampapa A1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Streaming and Computer DR Drive
Speakers: Mini Magenapan Speakers with DWM Bass Panel (and Dayton Audio active subwoofer)
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest Golden Gate and Evergreen
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, jazz.
Room Comments/Treatments: Desktop listening
Time Period/Length of Audition: One week
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

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Topic - REVIEW: Ampapa A1 Preamplifier (Tube) - svisner 06:45:38 01/24/23 (4)

you didn't even mention the LED light show! ;) - mhardy6647 07:53:55 01/24/23 (3)

RE: you didn't even mention the LED light show! ;) - svisner 19:51:14 01/24/23 (2)

I did wonder about that, in fact! - mhardy6647 05:31:16 01/27/23 (1)

RE: I did wonder about that, in fact! - svisner 06:59:10 01/27/23 (0)

Amplifier:	Crown XLS 1002
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Ampapa A1
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Streaming and Computer DR Drive
Speakers:	Mini Magenapan Speakers with DWM Bass Panel (and Dayton Audio active subwoofer)
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Golden Gate and Evergreen
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz.
Room Comments/Treatments:	Desktop listening
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One week
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

REVIEW: Ampapa A1 Preamplifier (Tube)

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