If you’ve been to an audiophile show in recent years, there is little question you’ve seen CH Precision being used in some of the most exotic, ultra-high-end demo systems. With the collapse of so many of the A-list, blue-chip audiophile electronics brands, there is a whole new group of companies that have upped the ante for what is physically possible in the world of uber-high-end audio. D’Agostino, Soulution, Constellation, T+A, Pass Labs, Bricasti, and many, many others are aggressively taking their market share from the likes of Krell, Classe, Audio Research, Mark Levinson, and now, amazingly, McIntosh. The company that is at the head of this list of audiophile disruptors is CH Precision from Switzerland. In about 15Í short years, this company has picked up where Cello left off and run with some truly revealing, ultra-high-performance audiophile electronics. Most of us need to sell blood (or even body parts) off to science to afford a CH Precision component, but they make that decision worthy of consideration with their super-high-performance gear. Times have clearly changed in the audiophile electronics world.
The CH Precision L1 preamplifier is from the 1 Series line of products, which is entry-level for CH Precision. Yes, a $34,000 preamp is “entry-level” in the world of CH Precision. There is also a 10 Series line of products available if you have the means, and by the means, I mean even more cash dollars to invest in your audio rig. Make no mistake, there is nothing entry-level about the CH Precision L1 stereo preamp. The CH Precision L1 under review also includes the optional, external X1 power supply, priced at $17,000, which is touted to improve performance even more. Upgraded or additional power supplies almost always will improve performance in high-end audiophile electronics, and we will test this option here. So, we’ve got a preamp that costs about what a nicely-appointed Toyota Camry costs new at the dealer. Does such a component deliver on its promise of the most resolved, on-the-recording level of performance? Finding out is the goal of this endeavor.
What Makes the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier So Special?
- The CH Precision L1 stereo preamp has a pure Class-A, fully symmetrical design, using only discrete components. You will find no chip circuits or op-amps in the CH Precision L1. Why is this important? Because while an op-amp design may be less expensive, they almost always compromise performance, in comparison to discrete components. CH Precision is not in the compromise business.
- The CH Precision L1 preamp uses independent left- and right-channel circuit boards for maximum performance. CH Precision is fanatical about eliminating noise from their products, with good reason, as noise is sonically destructive, and audiophiles pay to get insane levels of low noise. Subtle details are exposed, and the reproduction gets closer to the recording/master.
- Crosstalk is a common source of noise, which results from magnetic fields from one signal interacting with other signals, creating distortion. By using separate circuit boards for left and right channels, the risk of crosstalk is nearly eliminated, keeping the signal as pure as possible. That’s just one example of how CH Precision deals with eliminating noise.
- The CH Precision L1 preamp utilizes an R-2R ladder array for volume control. Each channel has its own array of about 80 tight-tolerance, high-grade metal film resistors per channel. This array offers half dB steps over a 118 dB range. Volume changes are silent, unlike other R-2R designs, where an audible click is heard with each volume change.
- The CH Precision L1 stereo preamp offers a multitude of inputs and outputs, making it extremely flexible. There are eight inputs available, which should be plenty for even the most source-rich system. Four of the inputs are XLR, two are single-ended RCA, and the remaining two are single-ended BNC. Of the four provided outputs, two are balanced XLR, which are ideal for bi-amping or driving subwoofers without the need for messy splitters. There are also a pair of RCA and BNC outputs.
- The CH Precision L1 is upgradeable, should you be in search of an even higher level of performance. CH Precision offers the X1 external power supply ($17,000), which can power up to two CH Precision source components. If you want to take it a step further, you can use two L1 chasses, each acting as a mono preamplifier for each channel. The pair operates in a master/slave configuration, where the master controls switching, volume, and other functions for both units. If that’s not enough, you can power each of the mono L1s with a dedicated X1 power supply. Price for this configuration is an eye-watering $92,000.
- The CH Precision L1 preamp utilizes sophisticated software strategies to eliminate DC offset. DC offset is when an AC signal is not symmetrical around the zero voltage reference. DC offset is very common with even the best circuit designs and causes all sorts of problems, such as clipping and distortion. The CH Precision L1 has a special calibration function that measures and eliminates DC offset from external sources. Internally, the L1 monitors and eliminates DC offset at multiple points of its own circuitry, including the R-2R volume ladder array.
- The CH Precision X1 is much more than just an external power supply; it is more of a high-performance AC filtration system. The X1 includes “massive amounts of noise filtering,” per CH Precision’s description. It also adds an additional stage of power supply regulation that works in concert with the on-board regulation in the connected unit. All this results in DC that is ultra-purified for consumption by the L1. Clean power is always a welcome feature in a cost-no-object audiophile system. It is for this reason so many of us go to extreme levels to clean up the power that we have running into our audiophile system. This is yet another extreme measure to get that last bit of performance from your music playback system, which speaks directly to the client who is truly interested in owning CH Precision equipment.
Why Should You Care About the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier?
CH Precision is a company whose philosophy ignores the law of diminishing returns, and the L1/X1 is no exception. Chasing diminishing returns are often what separates a great product from a reference-grade product. The auto industry is full of examples of this. Consider the Ferrari Testarossa and the F40. The Testarossa was an outstanding model, but the F40 eclipses it in every way and, in my opinion, still defines automotive perfection from the era. Porsche created the 959 and, later, the Carrera GT to see how far their engineers could push automotive technology. Overachieving uber-performance brands do this consistently, which is why their products are so sought after. CH Precision, along with other uber-high-end brands, leaves no stone unturned when chasing bleeding-edge music playback performance. Regardless of the position of the preamp in the product lineup, the CH Precision L1 is without question a reference-level stereo preamplifier. The CH Precision X1 power supply takes its performance even higher, and can be added at a later date, which may be a compelling next step in your audio journey. CH Precision is for the audiophile extremist who wants the best performance that money can buy and is willing to spend to get there. This is not going to be the first preamp that any of us has ever owned, but it could reasonably be the last.
Some Things You Might Not Like About the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier …
- The CH Precision L1/X1 combination is ruthlessly revealing, which can be a double-edged sword. It will reveal shortcomings of source components and poor recordings. It may also trigger a desire to invest in system upgrades.
- The styling of CH Precision is decidedly Swiss, which may be too understated for some. The CH Precision L1 is not going to draw attention to itself in your equipment rack the way a gold and red darTZeel will. The steampunk styling of a D’Agostino product is another dramatic example of outrageous industrial design. The CH Precision L1 preamp is simple and elegant by design. The CH Precision X1 power supply is a near replica of the L1, missing only the control knob, thus basically having the same look.
- The CH Precision L1 remote control is very small, and pretty easy to misplace. Being only slightly larger than a disposable lighter makes it look, at first glance, as almost an afterthought. Nothing could be further from the truth. Machined from a solid chunk of aluminum, including the trademarked machined CH Precision swoosh-like logo, the remote has only five tiny buttons, and I first thought I would hate using it. However, it is now by far my favorite remote. It fits perfectly in my hand with heft that defies its size. It’s extremely satisfying to hold, as well as admire, but it can get lost in the crack in your sofa more easily than other remotes in your audiophile system.
Listening to the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier …
My current system consists of a Lumin U1 mini streamer, Weiss Helios DAC, CH Precision M1.1 Amplifier, and Rockport Avior II loudspeakers. The CH Precision L1/X1 preamplifier was connected to my CH Precision amplifier and DAC using Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 10 XLR cables.
“Candyman” by Grateful Dead is a song that I have listened to hundreds of times and love as an audiophile demo track. Listening to this Dead song with the CH Precision L1 in my system, however, almost convinced me that this was the first time I had ever heard it. What jumped out was the depth of the soundstage. Not just from one instrument out front to the drums in the back, but each instrument individually. It was as if the music had slowed down, giving me more time to appreciate each note or chord. My ears could follow along as the sound moved from the speaker through the air and to my ear. Remember when Neo was dodging bullets in The Matrix? That is an accurate comparison. What else did I hear? An image that was laser-etched, with just the right amount of warmth. Dare I say tubelike? Yes. Each note had bloom with a slight sweetness, without sacrificing the clarity and detail that CH Precision is known for. Without question, this song has never sounded better.
“Subdivisions” by Rush is another track I have heard countless times since its release in 1982.However, during this session, things were different. For example, cymbal crashes from Neil Peart were sharper, clearer, and shimmered longer. Every drum he played was tighter, snappier and more well defined than I was accustomed to. The synthesizer that Geddy Lee plays throughout the track had a massive sound – bigger than I remember. It not only completely filled my room, it also pressurized it, even at moderate volumes. Sometimes I read reviewers say something like “it was as if a subwoofer was added to their system,” which makes me roll my eyes. This Rush track made me rethink this, because my sound was so radically improved with the CH Precision L1 preamp in my system.
The Eagles Hell Freezes Over album is a staple of AV reviewers for many good reasons. It contains unique performances of timeless songs that everyone has heard and can relate to. The album is extremely well-recorded for a live recording. I’m going to skip “Hotel California,” however, as that’s a little too predictable and, frankly I don’t care for Don Henley’s vocals on the live or the studio version of the classic rock anthem. I much prefer hearing Glenn Frey or Joe Walsh sing. “Tequila Sunrise” is anchored by Frey’s vocals, a couple of guitars and the bass filling in the low end. Each guitar was clear and distinguishable from the others, even while harmonizing with each other. Typically, the guitars will smear together, and you lose track of which guitar is doing what. Not so with the L1/X1. They all clearly occupied their own space across that same large soundstage I’ve grown used to. Frey’s vocals were natural, smooth, and pure, with a texture that was amazingly lifelike. Randy Meisner’s bass performance through the L1/X1 was more prominent, more detailed, and played deeper than my system did with other preamps.
Will the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier Hold Its Value?
CH Precision is a red-hot brand already at or very near the top of the audiophile food chain these days. Their reputation of quality and performance is well-deserved, and their products always seem to be receiving new, well-respected audiophile awards. How many people can afford a $35,000-plus stereo preamp? Not many, but substantially reduce the price, and the ownership opportunities increase. A component like the CH Precision L1 stereo preamp is an endgame product that is going to appeal to the advanced audiophile who is looking to get his or her system to its best possible performance. While a big check will need to be cut, there will be those willing to make that investment in the used market at the right price.
What is the Competition for the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier?
The first competitor to the L1/X1 that comes to mind is the competing Swiss made Soulution 525 preamplifier. At $28,975, it is slightly lower-priced than the standalone L1 and significantly lower-priced than the L1/X1 combo. However, I think that most considering an L1 would not pony up for the X1 right off the bat. The Soulution 525 does not have an external power supply option, nor does it have the input calibration feature of the L1, but it is one of the most comparable, uber-high-end preamps out there and a worthy comparison for any well-heeled audiophile.
The Danish Gryphon Commander is another worthy competitor to the L1/X1. The $63,000 Commander is a dual-chassis unit like the L1/X1. The Gryphon has styling that is a stark contrast to the CH Precision. It’s bold and anything but conservative, happily drawing attention to itself. The power supply boasts four transformers, two for each channel and a large 4.3-inch touchscreen display. If you want a volume knob, look elsewhere.
The T+A P 3100 HV (read the review) preamp from Germany is another highly resolved, modern and gorgeous stereo preamp that is part of Paul Wilson’s reference system today. Priced at $22,350, the T+A P 3100 HV is far less expensive than the CH Precision L1, but competes sonically. The HV (high voltage) technology pioneered by T+A is used by other super-high-end audio brands today. Like the CH Precision L1, clean power is a big part of T+A’s performance feature set. T+A also uses fully discrete circuitry in the P 3100 HV preamp and even has two power supplies – one for digital and one for analog. The HV sets T+A apart from other brands.
The Pass Labs XP-32, at $18,375, just showed up at my front door as I was finishing this review. I will have more direct comparisons to this three-chassis preamp that takes the whole multiple/upgraded power supply thing to the next level. Wayne Colburn is one hell of a fantastic preamp (and phonostage like Paul Wilson’s Pass Labs XP-27) designer, as I learned when I recently bought Pass Labs’ XP-22 (read Jerry Del Colliano’s review here) – a two-chassis stereo preamp that, like the CH Precision L1, comes stock with a second power supply. The Pass Labs XP-32 comes with a third power supply, which seems to be a “more of a good thing” value proposition. More on how this preamp compares to the CH Precision L1/X1 combo soon.
Final Thoughts on the CH Precision L1 Preamplifier …
I spent a lot of time listening to the CH Precision L1 preamplifier with and without the X1 power supply in the loop. It’s very transparent and offers top-level imaging, detail retrieval, bass performance, and is a joy to operate. Now factor in the input calibration feature, which eliminates DC offsets from your sources, and you get even more sonic transparency from your very serious audiophile music playback system. When I ran it on my source inputs, the improvements were substantial. Clarity, detail, timbre, and coherence all improved. I could live happily ever after with the CH Precision without the additional $17,000 cost of the X1 power supply.
With that said, when the CH Precision X1 power supply is added, things become really interesting. Expect every element of your system’s sonics to improve. Music becomes fuller, richer, and more musical. Details are easier to hear, and you feel like more of the recording is audible to you, which is what the stated goal of a top level preamp should be.
The CH Precision L1 might be the entry-level preamp in the company’s lofty product lineup, but it is anything but entry-level. This is one of the most truly amazing audiophile products that I’ve ever encountered. I am not a billionaire, but I work hard as an engineer, and I save my pennies to be able to afford nice toys. The CH Precision is now one of them, and so is the X1 power supply. Reviewers can say “highly recommended,” which is fine, but when they say “I wrote the check,” it is a whole other level of endorsement. I wrote the check.
