Excellent phono section, that is very quiet with plenty of gain. This preamp reproduces lots of detail without any harshness. Switching and controls are of very high quality. 2 preamp outputs for bi-amping. This is a true audiophile preamp.

No on off switch as preamp is designed to be always powered up.

This is the first solid state preamp to bear the Conrad Johnson name. I own a Conrad Johnson PV5 as well.

First of all, the construction and part quality is top tier. The preamp has no electrolytic capacitors period. As such the performance of the preamp really should not degrade over time.

This preamp is extremely quiet. The phono stage is top tier with great dynamics and very low noise. The preamp has a very transparent, uncolored sound. The soundstage is wide and deep and music is produced with lots of transparency with no brittleness. Compared to the PV5, this preamp is accurate with far less bloom to the music. To put it another way, the PV5 has a bigger than life, liquid sound which is extremely satisfying. The PF 1 has a very neutral transparent, sound which makes the stereo electronics disappear.

Highly recommended.