Swiss manufacturer CH Precision has introduced CH Precision P1.5 And L1.5, two new additions to its 1-Series range: the P1.5 Phono Preamplifier and the L1.5 Line Preamplifier. Both components succeed the original P1 and L1, bringing architecture derived from CH Precision’s flagship 10-Series down into the brand’s more accessible range.
CH Precision P1.5 And L1.5: P10 technology for vinyl
The P1.5 advances the original P1 with a gain structure informed by the flagship P10, combining current-sensing inputs for low-impedance moving-coil cartridges with a substantially improved voltage-sensing input for moving-magnet and high-output moving-coil designs. Gain is adjustable in 3 dB steps, with 6 dB more headroom on the MC current inputs and 5 dB more on the MM/MC voltage input than the original P1, while a Gain Wizard recommends the optimal setting for each cartridge.
A new three-stage gain topology with passive equalization between each stage improves accuracy and lowers noise. The P1.5 also adds dedicated mono modes for stereo, two-coil and single-coil mono cartridges, plus an optional EQ curve module covering EMI, Columbia, Decca, DGG/Teldec, NARTB and Philips playback curves for historic pressings.
CH Precision L1.5: a more direct signal path
The L1.5 Line Preamplifier replaces the original L1’s global feedback with the more narrowly applied local feedback used in the L10, alongside new L10-derived discrete diamond input buffers with separate hot and cold buffering for balanced signals. Volume control uses a fully differential 20-bit R-2R resistor network operating entirely in the analog domain, adjustable from -99.5 dB to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps, with additional gain of 0, 6, 12 or 18 dB applied only when required.
Both the P1.5 and L1.5 are fully DC-coupled with no coupling capacitors in the signal path, using CH Precision’s proprietary DC-compensation circuitry to control offset without a capacitor in the signal chain. Both components also share the same upgrade path to CH Precision’s X1 External Power Supply, which relocates transformer and primary regulation functions to a separate chassis to further lower the noise floor.
CH Precision P1.5 And L1.5: pricing and availability
CH Precision has not published pricing for the P1.5 or L1.5 alongside the launch; interested buyers should contact the brand directly via CH Precision’s dealer network for current pricing and availability. Both components are available in silver as standard, with Anthracite or Champagne as optional finishes. Full technical documentation for both models is available on CH Precision’s official product page.
Key specifications
What CH Precision P1.5 And L1.5 bring to the 1-Series range at a glance:
- P1.5: phono preamplifier, P10-derived gain structure, 2x MC current inputs + 1x MM/MC voltage input
- P1.5 gain: +56 to +77 dB (MC), +42 to +75 dB (MM/MC), in 3 dB steps
- P1.5 extras: dedicated mono modes, optional historic EQ curve module
- L1.5: line preamplifier, L10-derived diamond input buffers, local-feedback Class-A stages
- L1.5 volume: 20-bit R-2R network, -99.5 dB to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
- Shared: fully DC-coupled, no signal-path capacitors, X1 External Power Supply upgrade path
- Dimensions (each): 440 x 440 x 133 mm, 20kg; silver standard, Anthracite or Champagne optional
Both CH Precision P1.5 And L1.5 units are built to the same exacting Swiss standard as the rest of CH Precision’s range. For more high-end amplification news, see our coverage of the Perlisten S4b Black Edition loudspeaker.
