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Violectric PPA V790
The PPA Violectric PPA V790 is a state-of-the-art phono preamplifier with absolute unsuspected features until now. It offers a huge variety of adjustments, easily accessible from the front panel and a newly developed extremely low-noise and distortion-less amplifier technology. Because of its multiple inputs, up to six differing cartridges may be managed in only one amp and individually treated in terms of impedance, capacity, gain and EQ.
PPA V790 offers:
- 3 balanced stereo cartridge inputs via XLR
- 3 unbalanced stereo cartridge inputs via RCA
- 7 selectable impedances from 10 to 1000 Ohm (for MC cartridges)
- 8 selectable capacities from 22 to 1000 pF (for MM cartridges)
- 7 gain steps from +30 to +66 dB
- Clip indication to visualize incorrect operation
- 3 EQ filters RIAA, NAB, Columbia-LP
- switchable Subsonic Filter 20 Hz
- triple boost circuitry to perfectly adapt the amp into existing equipment
- Obviously all individual adjustments are stored
Up to six cartridges (3 x balanced, 3 x unbalanced) may be connected to PPA V790 at the same time.
For each cartridge the input impedance, the input capacity, the EQ law, the subsonic filter and the output boost may be set individually. All this is done by clear denoted push buttons and displayed by white LEDs on the front panel. All settings are stored! The usual distinction between MM- and MC-cartridges in such amps was renounced.
Instead, beneath “standard” cartridges also “MC High-Output” or “MM Low Output” can be treated individually by the wide and open gain adjustment from +30 to +66 dB.
The gain stages inside Violectric PPA V790 are DC coupled with cascaded bi-polar superfast input transistors for highest bandwidth, extreme low noise, lowest distortions and highest dynamic range. Don´t expect any coloration from this amp! Gain may be set in 7 steps from +30 dB (factor 30) to +66 db (factor 2000). A clip indication is in charge to avoid incorrect operation.
PPA V790 offers three DC coupled EQs. Beneath the usual RIAA filter, NAB and Columbia-LP EQs may be selected for “exotic“ recordings. The filter accuracy is 0,1 dB.
A switchable subsonic filter helps to eliminate low frequency interferences.
The Boost circuitry with 0, +6 und +12 dB settings is intended to adapt Violectric PPA V790 into virtually any signal chain.
Features
- up to six differing cartridges
- huge variety of adjustments
- set individually
- Made in Germany
Dealers selling Violectric near you
Violectric PPA V790
The Violectric PPA V790 is a high-resolution, multi‑input MM/MC phono stage built for transparency and flexibility. Its DC‑coupled, internally powered desktop chassis delivers an ultra‑transparent, uncoloured sound with an extremely low noise floor, letting cartridges and records define the presentation, as noted by Hi‑Fi Choice and James Michael Hughes. Three balanced and three unbalanced inputs are individually configurable (MM capacitance in eight steps, MC impedance in seven, gain +30 to +66dB), all settable from front‑panel buttons. Balanced operation yields extra finesse, wider imaging and deeper silence between notes; the PPA generates a spacious, three‑dimensional soundstage with lively dynamics. Compact, well‑made casework houses the PSU internally. Ideal for multi‑turntable rigs and listeners moving into balanced analogue systems, it’s a highly capable phono stage that prioritises fidelity.
Pros
- Exceptionally low noise floor and transparency — a black background with minimal hiss so the cartridge and record character remain intact.
- Extensive, front-panel adjustable loading and gain across six inputs (3x XLR, 3x RCA) provides broad MM/MC compatibility and setup convenience.
- Balanced inputs/outputs deliver greater finesse, wider imaging and improved refinement compared with unbalanced connections.
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Cons
- Compact chassis leads to a crowded rear panel and a single shared ground post, which can complicate using multiple turntables simultaneously.
- No dedicated mono/stereo switch (mono setting) for older pressings, limiting convenience when handling non‑RIAA or mono LPs.
Transparency
94/100
Multiple reviewers emphasise an extremely low noise floor: 'silent at idle', 'absolute absence of a perceivable noise floor', and 'completely hum-free' with 'hiss levels extremely low even at maximum gain'. The unit's DC-coupled design and careful component/grounding choices are cited as reasons for the black background and lack of transformer buzz, supporting a top-tier transparency score.
Sound Quality
90/100
Observers report a lively, rhythmic delivery: 'nice, energetic presence', 'crisp and engaging', and 'keen presence and rhythmic drive'. The unit preserves micro-dynamics and transient punch, making records sound alive and involving.
Cartridge Compatibility
93/100
Fully supports both MM and MC with extensive, front-panel adjustable settings: MM capacitance in eight steps, MC impedances in seven steps, and gain from +30dB to +66dB. Relay-controlled, front-panel adjustment and the wide gain/loading range provide excellent flexibility for virtually any modern cartridge, though a single shared ground point and a compact (busy) rear panel slightly reduce multi-turntable convenience.
Build Quality
89/100
Build and finish are described as very good with high-grade components and careful design contributing to the unit being 'completely hum-free' and 'physically silent' (no transformer buzz). The compact chassis results in a crowded rear panel and a single ground post, a minor ergonomic blemish on otherwise solid construction.
Value for Money
89/100
At the stated price (~4999), reviewers position the V790 strongly against high-end peers (e.g., edging the Chord Symphonic), and HiFi Choice notes the performance is impressive 'even taking into account the price'. That language supports a justified-premium assessment: it competes well in its segment and is seen as earning its cost.
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