GRIMM AUDIO PW1 PHONO PREAMPLIFIER NOW OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED

Grimm says that the Grimm Audio PW1 phono preamplifier, or as they call it, the Phono Wizard PWI,  “is the perfect companion for a MU2, an LS1, or any other audio system of your choice”.

Following on from its intro at High End Munich 2024 and the Dutch Audio Event 2024,the Grimm Audio PWI Phono Preamplifier has now been released.

PETER VAN WILLENSWAARD

Grimm Audio’s co-founder Peter van Willenswaard was the chief designer of the ‘Phono Wizard’ PW1. Here is what he has to say about it.

“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. 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”.

GRIMM AUDIO PWI PHONO PREAMPLIFIER

Grimm Audio’s PW1 phono preamplifier stands out with its minimalist circuit design, aimed at preserving the integrity of vinyl playback. The PW1 reduces components in the signal path, allowing music to flow with minimal interference. Each amplification stage uses a single active component, while a carefully selected op-amp serves as a buffer to maintain signal quality. This simplicity, however, demanded extensive engineering and testing, with every component meticulously chosen and matched.

GRIMM AUDIO PW1 PHONO PREAMPLIFIER FET-BASED CIRCUITRY

The PW1 employs FETs (field-effect transistors) for their high input impedance and musical amplification characteristics. A specialised low-noise FET with 0.7 nV/√Hz noise was selected for the moving coil (MC) input, ensuring a superb signal-to-noise ratio of ≥80 dB. Grimm Audio acknowledges the higher harmonic distortion (<0.55%) compared to some competitors, but this trade-off avoids the lifeless sound often associated with low-distortion designs. Instead, the distortion primarily consists of 2nd harmonic components, which are less intrusive and contribute to natural sound dynamics.

BUILT-IN POWER SUPPLY AND CHASSIS DESIGN

Unlike many phono amplifiers requiring external power supplies, the PW1 incorporates a custom-built, low-noise transformer from Amplimo. Its design eliminates interference on sensitive inputs, enabling seamless integration into compact setups. The aluminium chassis and copper sub-chassis further shield against electromagnetic interference, ensuring clean audio output.

EXTENSIVE SETTINGS AND ADJUSTMENTS

The PW1 offers flexibility with settings for 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, accommodating even ultra-low output cartridges. A sliding panel on the bottom provides access to detailed load and gain settings, allowing audiophiles to fine-tune their playback to match cartridge specifications. Capacitive and resistive load adjustments cater to both MM and MC cartridges, offering a tailored listening experience.

GRIMM AUDIO PWI PHONO PREAMPLIFIER PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Grimm Audio PW1 is available now, priced at €4,800.

HiFi PiG Says: We were very impressed with the Grimm Audio PW1 at the shows this year, a Phono Wizard indeed.