Audio Alchemy PPA-1 Phono Stage

I purchased this phono stage for a project that I am no longer pursuing. It is in mint condition with about 10 hours on it. Paypal fees to the buyer.

Ultra-Quiet Phono Stage

The PPA-1 uses all-analog, discrete FET gain and EQ stages to transform the microscopic grooves in vinyl records into stunningly lifelike music. It includes all the features that serious vinyl enthusiasts demand, such as continuously variable input loading, MC/MM gain switching and XLR and RCA outputs. It can also be upgraded by adding the PS-5 power supply, which can simultaneously power the PPA-1 and one other Audio Alchemy component, such as the DDP-1digital preamp.

Magical Analog Musicality

Analog signals from vinyl records are already perfect when they leave the phono cartridge; all they need is to be handled correctly and with the least amount of processing in their path to the preamp.  That's why Audio Alchemy uses all-discrete, ultra-low-noise FET circuits for the PPA-1's RIAA EQ and gain stages, with no integrated circuits in the signal path.  It's also why Audio Alchemy provides an easy upgrade path: Just replace the supplied power supply with the PS-5, which offers superior filtration, tighter voltage regulation, lower noise and greater energy storage.

If you are a serious vinyl enthusiasts you need more than just the basic options. That's why Audio Alchemy gives you what you need. Load impedance is independently, continuously adjustable for both inputs, so optimal performance can be achieved with any cartridge and you're not locked into specific settings. Either input can be set for MC or MM gain, and balanced XLR outputs are provided in addition to single-ended RCA outputs.

PPA-1 Features:

• Fully discrete, all-analog FET design with no ICs in signal path


• Selectable MM or MC gain


• Two single-ended RCA inputs with continuously adjustable loading


• Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs


• Upgradeable through addition of PS-5 external power supply

PPA-1 Specifications

• Freq. Response: 10hz-20Khz +/- 0.1db


• THD distortion: <.005% at 1Khz


• S/N ratio high gain input shorted: 67db unweighted; 76db A-weighted


• S/N ration low gain input shorted: 84db unweighted; 90db A-weighted


• Total Gain high setting: +67db


• Total Gain low setting: +49db


• Phono input impedance switchable: 47K OHM or 1-1K Ohm variable


• Output impedance: unbalanced 100 OHM; balanced 100 Ohm per leg


• Input sensitivity at 1Khz high gain: 450uV input for 1V balanced output


• Input sensitivity at 1Khz low gain: 3.5mV input for 1V balanced output


• Crosstalk high gain at 1Khz: >88db


• Crosstalk low gain at 1Khz: >100db


• Dimensions: 5.5" wide x 3.5" high x 11.6" deep


• Weight: 9 lbs.