Phasemation CM-1500 — Preamplifier with “Hybrid Passive Attenuator”

Japanese company Phasemation has released the hybrid preamplifier Phasemation CM-1500. The device is equipped with a patented “Hybrid Passive Attenuator” volume control and offers high input impedance and low output impedance – which guarantees perfect matching with other components of the signal path.

Phasemation CM-1500 is equipped only with resistive and transformer type attenuators, which ensures the purity and expressiveness of the sound. The transformer uses the proprietary ultra-thin 0.1mm super malloy material – it is also used in the company's top devices. The author's circuit technology is used, in which a balanced attenuator transformer with two attenuator windings for the hot and cold sides of the balanced connection coiled onto a single transformer – this approach increases detail. And three-step gain switching (-10, 0, +6 dB) makes any volume setting to be possible.

Speaking of commutation capabilities, the Phasemation CM-1500 has three RCA inputs and two XLR' outputs are single-ended and balanced. The case is made of copper-plated steel sheet, and the front panel is made of aluminum. The new preamp is priced at 7,500 euros.