Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Experience Concerto Phono Preamp by rdw

Model:	Concerto
Category:	Phono Preamp
Suggested Retail Price:	$1200
Description:	Tubes Phono Stage Eq-Preampilier
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Experience
Model Picture:	View

Review by rdw_audiofossil on November 27, 2002 at 13:05:40
IP Address: 207.16.236.46

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I purchased the Audio Experience Concerto Phono Preamp roughly three months ago direct from the Hong Kong designer/manufacturer. The purchase was through eBay for the "introductory" price of $430.00 plus shipping. The Concerto is regularly offered through eBay at this approximate price.
The purchase and shipping came off without a hitch. Apparently, the designer/manufacturer does not actually build the unit until it is bought -- shipping is promised within 5 business days after payment is received. I was able to pay using PayPal (editorial comment -- isn't that wild -- buy a piece of custom-built stereo equipment from a small manufacturer in Hong Kong through eBay and arrange for international payment at no extra cost in two minutes flat -- I love electronic commerce)! My phono preamp was timely shipped at the end of the five-day period and arrived about two and a half weeks after I delivered payment. It was well-packed and in good condition (the packing of the tubes was a little cavalier for my taste, but they were not damaged). My communications via email to the designer/manufacturer were always promptly answered and I was informed when the item was shipped.
The phono preamp is VERY well built -- the production values are excellent and the unit both looks and feels solid. The unit is designed so that the top can be easily removed to insert or replace the tubes. The interior reveals a clean, minimalist design for the electronics, with point-to-point wiring. The preamp has two switches -- a power switch on the side of the unit, and a large knob that permits the user to select RIAA equalization, or one of three other equalization curves that were used with some older records produced by specific labels. I haven't had any use for the non-RIAA equalization curves, but it doesn't hurt anything to have them available. There are two sets of outputs on the back, providing a choice between low or high gain, with gold-plated RCA jacks. The preamp uses a 6X4 rectifier tube and 3 12AX7 tubes for the gain stage. Tube replacements are available from the manufacturer and also available online from multiple sources.
The manual takes some patience, not because it doesn't provide all the necessary information, but because English is clearly not the author's strong suit.
After using the preamp regularly for three months,it has displayed no peculiarities or misbehavior that I can observe. It presents a solid, stable soundstage with a strong center and a very smooth frequency response. The low end is not muddy or blurred, and the high end is not brittle. Stereo separation appears to be excellent.
There is some question in my mind whether the Concerto would be worth the full purchase price (there is some question in my mind whether ANY phono preamp is worth $1200.00, but I recognize that's a matter of opinion). However, the eBay price is fair, and represents a good value for those looking for a tube-based phono stage.

Product Weakness: Manual could use some work. Patience required with international shipment. Ability to obtain warranty repairs or replacement part (other than tubes) unknown.
Product Strengths: Good price on eBay; solid construction, clean design, excellent performance for the price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	conrad-johnson MF 2500 (240 watts per channel into 8 ohms)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audio Research LS15
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pro-ject 1.2 turntable and Shure VxMR cartridge
Speakers:	Thiel 2.3
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster Cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, jazz, big band, movie soundtracks
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 12 x 8
Time Period/Length of Audition:	roughly three months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Manual could use some work. Patience required with international shipment. Ability to obtain warranty repairs or replacement part (other than tubes) unknown.
Product Strengths:	Good price on eBay; solid construction, clean design, excellent performance for the price.