Phono Preamp Reviews

I auditioned the SU-1/IC-1 combination over the past few months. Phono preamps used in conjunction with the SU-1 included the Audio Research SP11 Mk.II and a Mod Squad Phono Drive, all driving (independently) an Audio Research LS2 line-stage preamp. Turntable was the Well-Tempered with its tonearm modified by LP Labs (see Vol.15 No.1, p.224).

Loudspeakers were primarily Hales System Two Signatures, augmented with a Muse Model 18 subwoofer. Power amplifiers were my long-term favorites, the VTL 225W Deluxe monoblocks, or the two solid-state amplifiers reviewed in April (Parasound HCA-2200 and McCormack DNA-1. Interconnects were the Expressive Technologies IC-1 in the phono chain, Straight Wire Maestro between preamp and subwoofer, and AudioQuest Diamond between subwoofer and power amplifiers. Loudspeaker cable was a 3' bi-wired run of AudioQuest Dragon/Clear (with the VTLs) or 8' runs of AudioQuest Sterling/Midnight (with the two solid-state amplifiers).—Robert Harley