Grimm Audio PW1 – minimalist phono preamplifier
20.12.2024 08:53 | ~2 minutes read
The Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier stands out with its minimalist circuitry, aimed at preserving the integrity of vinyl playback. The PW1 minimizes the number of components in the signal path, allowing the music to flow with minimal interference. Each gain stage uses a single active component, while a carefully selected op-amp serves as a buffer to maintain signal quality. The “PW” stands for Phono Wizard, so the PW1 features a wide range of input adjustment options to suit the characteristics of the cartridge.
The Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier uses FET field effect transistors due to their high input impedance and musical amplification characteristics. For the MC (moving coil) input, a specialized low-noise FET transistor was chosen, with noise levels of 0.7 nV/√Hz, resulting in a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥80 dB, which is excellent for vinyl. Grimm Audio admits that the PW1 exhibits higher harmonic distortion (<0.55%, mostly 2nd harmonic components) than some competitors, but this compromise avoids a "sterile" sound.
The Grimm Audio PW1 does not use an external power supply – it has a custom low-noise transformer from Amplimo “on board”. An aluminum chassis and copper sub-chassis further protect against electromagnetic interference.
The Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier offers flexible settings for both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. Gain options include an additional 10 dB for MM inputs and up to 77 dB for MC, allowing even ultra-low output cartridges to be used. Input impedance:
MM resistive: 47 kΩ;
MM capacitive: 47 pF, plus optional 47 pF, 100 pF, and/or 220 pF in parallel;
MC resistive: 47 kΩ, plus optional 33 Ω, 100 Ω, 330 Ω and/or 1 kΩ in parallel;
MC capacitive: 330 pF, plus optional 330 pF and/or 680 pF in parallel.
A sliding panel on the bottom of the enclosure provides access to detailed loading and gain settings, allowing audiophiles to fine-tune playback to match cartridge specifications. The capacitive and resistive load adjustments are suitable for both MM and MC cartridges. The Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier is now available in Europe with a suggested retail price of €4,800.
Specifications
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Phonostages — Grimm Audio PW1
Model name
PW1
Inputs (balanced)
N/A
Inputs (single-ended)
2
MC current-sensing input impedance (Ω)
N/A
MM/MC voltage input impedance (Ω)
47000
Output impedance (Ω)
N/A
Gain (dB)
N/A
Playback EQ curves accuracy (dB)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
100 x 250 x 100
Weight (kg)
3.3
Official link
More content
Moondrop Harmon – 3D Printing on the March
Moondrop has introduced the Moondrop Harmon wired in-ear headphones, the housings of which were developed jointly with HeyGears, a leading brand in the field of 3D printing. So, DLP-3D printing technology is responsible for the perfect fit of the headphones.
Cabasse LA SPHERE EVO - the Ultimate Active Loudspeakers
Cabasse LA SPHERE EVO is a new version of the famous spherical model of La Sphère speakers, which "blew up" the market in 2006. The new product implements the proprietary quad-coaxial technology with built-in amplification, DSP-processor and support for music streaming.
Lumin U2x – a New Streamer with an External Power Supply
Lumin has introduced the Lumin U2x network transport – an upgrade of the well-known Lumin U2 model. The device uses an external power supply, has ports for connecting an external clock generator and an isolated USB output for transmitting an audio stream to a DAC.
Cyrus Audio 80 – Now in Full Size!
Cyrus Audio's calling card has always been "half-size" audio components - half the width of standard equipment. Well, the ice has broken - the company has announced the launch of a line of standard-width components, Cyrus Audio 80.
See Audio Kaguya 2 – Nine Drivers Are Not the Limit
See Audio has introduced the See Audio Kaguya 2 in-ear hybrid headphones with nine Kaguya 2 drivers. The model has a configuration of one dynamic driver, four armature, two electrostatic and two bone conduction drivers.
