Comparisons
Alas, I no longer have the CH Precision P1 phono preamp, but especially when using the P1’s Current Mode inputs, the Grimm PW1 reminds me of it. Both provide superb resolution along with a natural, fluid, and effortless delivery. As expected from a Swiss Reference product, the P1 is even more precise and revealing, and it also offers more features and convenience. Nevertheless, if the PW1 comes close in various sonic aspects, that is still a significant achievement given the considerable price difference.
The relatively affordable Lejonklou Entity impressed me deeply when I reviewed it, thanks to its combination of resolution and unforced flow. Indeed, precisely the not-often-found combination of sonic traits in which the PW1 excels. Although I replaced my Entity with the M2Tech Nash, I still have both, allowing me to perform a direct comparison. While the Entity offers a broadly similar balance of qualities as the Grimm PW1, the PW1 is incomparably better in almost all sonic aspects. The only areas in which the Entity performs on the same level are fluidity, flow, and refinement. Otherwise, and especially in terms of bass control, midrange expression, and overall dynamics, the PW1 outperforms it by an impressive margin.
As mentioned, the M2Tech Nash replaced the Lejonklou Entity as my main phono preamp. The Nash is not quite as fluid and refined as the Lejonklou Entity, but with its robust, full-blooded, powerful, and dynamic nature, the Nash makes for exciting listening. To provide some perspective, the Nash costs a few hundred euros less than the Entity, yet it reminds me in many ways of the Pass Labs X-Ono I once owned, as well as the XP17 that I later reviewed. I’d say that is quite something, given the Pass Labs heritage and more than double the price point.
Nevertheless, when comparing the Grimm PW1 to the Nash, the Grimm is so effortlessly liquid and refined that it makes the Nash sound comparatively rough and bombastic. Such is life for an audiophile. On the one hand, I should know that improvement is always possible, but on the other, I am occasionally still surprised by the scale of the available improvement.
I wouldn’t say the Grimm outperforms the Nash on all fronts, though. For example, the Nash possesses even more powerful and robust bass, along with greater drive and propulsion. This creates a more substantial dynamic impact and makes it particularly engaging on a visceral level, which works exceptionally well for music that relies primarily on impact, such as certain R&B and electronic genres. However, bass impact is one thing. The PW1’s bass is purer and, interestingly, seems to reach deeper, as it frequently surprises me with very satisfying cellar-deep notes that I overlooked with the Nash.
Finally, there is one other candidate, also from the Netherlands, that I have auditioned but not officially reviewed: the Mola Mola Lupe. At €7.990, it is more expensive than the PW1. In turn, it provides superlative operational comfort that reminds me of the CH P1, with all of its settings adjustable from a tablet. Sonically, the Lupe matches the PW1’s level of refinement and fluidity, while possessing a more mellow and laid-back nature that makes it seductive, albeit less exciting. The PW1 may be operationally relatively more utilitarian, but I prefer its more propulsive, upbeat, and dynamic behavior.
Conclusion
The PW1 impressively combines stunning resolution, openness, and precision with natural fluidity. It is rich in tone, lush, delicate, emotional, and lively while avoiding excessive warmth. The sound convincingly captures the warmth of human voices and instruments while remaining neutral, free from added character, and without imposing any electronic signature.
Overall, the PW1 effectively translates the qualities of any source—whether MC or MM—while maintaining a strong focus on the emotional aspect of the music. No matter what you play, the overwhelming feeling is of being sucked deeply into the music. The PW1 invites the listener to put on just one more record, and another, and another.
I have heard phono stages in all price ranges, from the €129 Schiit Mani, all the way up to the €33.000 CH Precision P1. At €4,999, one might expect the PW1 to land between, or to the left of, the middle. While it does not indeed equal or exceed the P1’s ultimate reference-grade performance, I’d actually rate the PW1 as second best, right under the P1. Of course, this means that the PW1 is Highly Recommended. Moreover, I decided to buy the review sample, which makes it an HFA Favorite!
External Links
Manufacturer: Grimm Audio
Distributor for the Benelux: Terrason Audio
