Grimm Audio PW1 MM/MC Compact Phono Stage

The Grimm Audio PW1 MC/MM phono preamplifier was designed by its co-founder, Peter van Willenswaard, who the company describes as a Phono Wizard.

The PW1 follows a "minimalist design path" based on the principle that "what's not in it cannot stand in the way". So, here we have single low-noise FET amplification stages along the path to bring the low voltage of an MC element to MM level and to amplify the vulnerable input signal in the MM phono section sufficiently to allow the RIAA correction to do its job. The design brief also says the PW1 has to then convey the corrected signal flawlessly after RIAA and serve as a buffer between the phono circuit and downstream equipment, all within a zero-feedback environment.

To achieve this, Grimm's ideal phono topology required the careful choice and proprietary testing of passive and active components, precisely designed power supplies for each amplifier stage, and precisely arranged PCB layouts to deliver high signal-to-noise ratios and the impression of "endless" headroom.

Furthermore, within the PW1 phono stage's compact 100 x 100 x 250mm [HxWxD] aluminium enclosure (by Industrial designer Michiel Uylings),  you will find a custom-designed "silent" (low magnetic field) power supply transformer and copper sub-chassis to provide higher shielding to the mains input and main power supply. Most would use an external power supply and have the user add another box to their rack.

The PW1's selectable load and gain settings are easily accessed via a sliding panel on the base, enabling it to accommodate the broadest range of cartridges. The manual includes a table of standard settings for MC, high-output MC, and MM cartridges; however, you are encouraged to use the new Grimm phono preamp's versatility to fine-tune to your listening requirements.

In addition to offering separate MM and MC RCA inputs, the PW1 also presents RCA and XLR outputs.

The company states that its PW1 is a "uniquely flexible and expertly balanced design, " which promises "very spacious, detailed and open sound, but also rhythmically addictive and emotionally involving."

The Grimm Audio PW1 MC/MM phono preamplifier is now available and priced at £4,695/ €5,000/ A$7,995 (Australian availablity in early July) with pricing in other territories yet to be confirmed.

Visit Grimm Audio for more information