CH Precision P1.5 and L1.5 – New Phono Stage and Preamplifier with Flagship Technologies

Swiss high-end audio manufacturer CH Precision has updated two components in its product lineup, introducing the P1.5 phono stage and L1.5 line preamplifier. Replacing the P1 and L1 models, the new units feature refined circuitry and engineering solutions derived from the flagship P10 and L10 components. The development focused primarily on reducing noise, improving the stability of amplification stages, and expanding adjustment options. CH Precision has also retained its modular design philosophy, allowing owners of previous-generation models to upgrade their existing units to the latest specifications without having to replace the entire components.

The CH Precision P1.5 phono stage features a new three-stage amplification architecture with passive equalization between stages, incorporating technologies developed for the flagship P10. These improvements have reduced equivalent input noise by 6 dB on the current-sensing inputs and 4 dB on the voltage-sensing input, while increasing available gain headroom by 6 dB and 5 dB, respectively. The unit offers two current-sensing inputs for low-impedance moving-coil cartridges and a universal voltage-sensing input compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. The latter provides more than 400 selectable impedance settings ranging from 20 ohms to 70 kOhms. CH Precision's proprietary Gain Wizard and Loading Wizard software tools help users optimize settings for individual cartridges. An optional module extends equalization capabilities beyond the standard RIAA curve, offering historical playback curves for records released by Columbia, Decca, EMI, Philips, Capitol, and other labels. Dedicated settings for playing mono recordings are also available.

The CH Precision L1.5 preamplifier incorporates technologies originally developed for the reference-grade L10, including discrete Diamond input buffers designed to provide improved electrical and thermal stability. The Class A amplification stages, DC compensation circuits, and power supply regulation system have also been redesigned. Volume adjustment is handled by a fully analog, differential 20-bit R2R resistor ladder network, providing attenuation from −99.5 dB to 0 dB in precise 0.5 dB steps. Four selectable gain settings are available: 0, +6, +12, and +18 dB. Connectivity includes four balanced XLR inputs and two unbalanced RCA inputs per channel, while the digital control circuits are galvanically isolated from the analog signal path to minimize interference. The preamplifier can be operated using its front-panel controls, the supplied remote control, or CH Precision's proprietary control software.

Both components support the optional CH Precision X1 external power supply, which relocates part of the power supply circuitry outside the main chassis to reduce electrical interference affecting sensitive audio stages. The manufacturer positions the P1.5 and L1.5 as more accessible alternatives to its flagship 10 Series components, retaining key advantages of the company's reference-level technologies. The new phono stage and preamplifier are already available through authorized CH Precision dealers, while owners of the previous-generation models can take advantage of a factory upgrade program.