Κώστας Φ.
Truth hurts. Here's a teddy bear.
- Μηνύματα
- 8.978
- Reaction score
- 895
"The unit is presented as a high level, MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge pre-amplifier,
As a matter of fact, the input impedance is configurable, so that it can work perfectly with both MM and MC cartridges.
Gain is not very high, but more then enough for MM and high output MC cartriges. With low-output MCs (a situation the PM-1 was not designed to cope with) the output level is obviously rather low, but probably still manageable in many systems (mine, for example), provided you are available to accept a correspondingly high noise lavel.
There are not so many details known about the implementation.
According to AudioNemesis site, it is a discrete components circuit (FET and BJT), with zero feedback, which probably means that there is no feedback loop (which is not exactly the same...). Said this, the solution is definitely valid. Also the choice of keeping the signal path as short as possible is noteworthy, as this helps a lot in keeping picked up electromagnetic disturbs low.
The circuits implements a very precise splitted RIAA, that is the different time constants of the standard curve are implemented in different stages. This helps making the final adjustments easier, and also should produce a better dynamic beahvior.
The power supply is very complex, with several shunt regulators and a specially designed mains filter at the input. Very high quality components are used all over the board. There are also several small HDG graphite blocks which dump vibrations and hide components identification marks....
The layout, by Giuseppe Intorrella, is in general extremely accurate.
Given the definition as high level cartridge pre-amplifier, for most of the time I have been using a Reson Reca, cartridge, which is not such an easy source: with a 6.5mV output level at standard conditions, which is higher than the average, it makes more probable to highlight the dynamic limits of the pre-amplifier. This is never happened with AudioNemesis, which accounts for its accurate design.
Just to finish with, I measured the matching error between the pre-amplifier frequency response and the RIAA standard curve. It shows that the pre follows the RIAA curve with remarkable precision.
Taking into account the discrete component, zero feedback configuration and the fact that I measurd two different units getting almost perfectly matching diagrams, this is a really outstanding result.
...
Conclusions
The PM-1 is an interesting phono preamplifier, with an elegant look, well designed, solid, with a neutral, controlled sound.
Audiophiles might prefer a more detailed, fast, open and involving presentation. However given its pleasant and soft sound you can spend a lot of hours listening to your record collection with minimal fatigue. In this respect, it is a pre for people who love music more than hi-fi, which, as I always say, sounds more as an asset than a fault.
Price seems in line with the excellent finish, the perfect industrialization and sound quality.
Finally, a not minor detail: according to AudioNemesis web site, you can have it for a two weeks test. Take advantage."
Full Review: TNT-Audio
