Grimm Audio has officially unveiled the PW1 Phono Preamplifier, a high-end audio device that merges analog craftsmanship with minimalist design principles. As an expansion of Grimm's portfolio, which includes the MU1 streamer and LS1 playback system, the PW1 caters to audiophiles who value precision in vinyl playback.
This new offering, first previewed at High-End Munich 2024 and the Dutch Audio Event, promises to deliver a versatile and finely-tuned experience for both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridge users.
The PW1 stands out for its minimalist circuit architecture, a conscious choice to enhance signal integrity. With only one active component per stage, the signal path is kept as unobstructed as possible. Each stage of amplification, from boosting the low voltages of MC cartridges to RIAA equalization, relies on carefully selected components. This design ethos is guided by Peter van Willenswaard, Grimm Audio’s co-founder and a veteran in phono preamplifier design.
“One could call the PW1 an ‘understated’ device. It does not try to attract attention with a HiFi-like sound to impress its competitors. Its goal is to convey the emotion in the music and in the sound of voices and instruments," said van Willenswaard.
"And to create a spatial image in which (if the recording allows it) you can feel the air vibrate, almost touch it. It manages to carry you along in the message of the composers and performers, of the orchestras, singer/songwriters and bands”.
Field-effect transistors (FETs) were chosen for their favorable amplification characteristics and low noise levels. The MC input benefits from a specialized low-noise FET, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥80 dB.
While the harmonic distortion figure of the PW1 (<0.55%) is higher than some competing products, Grimm Audio emphasizes that this distortion is predominantly second harmonic, which is less intrusive and preserves the natural dynamics of the audio.
One notable feature of the PW1 is its integrated power supply. Unlike many phono preamplifiers that require external units to minimize interference, the PW1 employs a custom-designed low-noise transformer by Amplimo. This component is shielded to reduce electromagnetic interference and positioned strategically within the aluminum and copper chassis. The combination of these materials should ensure the internal circuits are protected from external noise, further enhancing audio purity.
For users with diverse cartridge preferences, the PW1 offers extensive customization options. A sliding panel on the bottom of the device reveals load and gain settings for MM and MC cartridges.
Gain can be adjusted by an additional 10 dB for MM inputs and up to 77 dB for MC, accommodating ultra-low output cartridges. Capacitive and resistive load adjustments allow users to match the preamplifier to their cartridge’s specifications, offering an experience tailored to individual listening setups.
While some may find the placement of the adjustment panel unconventional, it reflects Grimm’s focus on maintaining a clean external design while offering robust internal functionality. A comprehensive manual with suggested settings ensures that both novice and experienced users can optimize the PW1’s performance with ease.
The PW1’s design choices prioritize the preservation of musicality. Its amplification stages, though simple in appearance, were the result of extensive testing and fine-tuning. This approach avoids the potential sterility of ultra-low distortion designs, instead delivering audio that feels dynamic and engaging. The preamplifier’s maximum output of 10 Vrms ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio systems.
Grimm has also addressed practical considerations, such as accommodating high-output cartridges and deeply modulated LPs, without compromising signal quality. These features make the PW1 suitable for both traditional and modern vinyl collections.
The Grimm Audio PW1 Phono Preamplifier is available through authorized dealers, priced at $4,900 in the U.S. and €4,800 in Europe.