AURORASOUND VIDA PHONO PREAMPLIFIER - REVIEW
Auroasound Vida MkII Phono Preamplifier:
Japanese HiFi manufacturer Aurorasound is one of those firms that defines the mythical standing of the Japanese artisanal philosophy. That, in particular, means building gear in small numbers, with great attention to detail, and not being shy about carving their own paths in design and features if they feel it should be so. Many of these products are also examples of David and Goliath in the modern era, with small shops competing with behemoths like Sony and Marantz.
When I was offered the chance to review the Aurorasound VIDA MkII phono preamplifer, I jumped. The VIDA was first introduced back in 2010. I was very intrigued, especially after reading our esteemed Editor In Chief’s review of the Aurorasound HEADA headphone amp https://www.audiokeyreviews.com/the-reviews/aurorasound-heada. He loved it, and it is now easy to understand why.
The VIDA MkII phono stage is a two box affair, with a separate power supply, which is connected with a nicely built umbilical chord. The combination is gorgeous to look at, with a retro faceplate and old fashioned knobs and buttons, a wood enclosure, and a handcrafted feel. The preamp handles both MC and MM cartridges, with a very cool feature, one I always hope for, but rarely see, and that is two phono inputs, which lets you switch between two turntables.
There are different loading and gain options for various cartridges as well. An additional feature I really like, but also rarely see, is a MUTE button. When engaged it glows a soothing orange. If that was not enough to surpass expectations, then a Mono and Stereo switch raises the stakes. A selectable subsonic filter for use with warped records and to reduce rumble, is a nice touch. And you think they have covered all bases, there is a Degausser switch around back that is used to demagnify MC cartridges by using currents to cancel out magnetic fields. Aurorasound recommends using it every few months.
The design is LCR (L=Inductor C=Capacitor R=Resistor} According to Aurrorasound, the main goal for the current version of the VIDA was the cleanest, shortest signal path possible, and the elimination of mechanical or electronic noise, with improved channel separation. It should be noted XLR connections are available as a premium add on. The price of the VIDA MkII with the standard connections is $4999. We also received the premium umbilical cord upgrade with the unit, which costs $399.
Aurorasound has several other phonostages in their line up, including VIDA Prima, and the flagship VIDA Supreme. Aurorasound also makes preamplifers and tube amps, as well as the aforementioned HEADA headphone amplifier. The company is based in Yokohama, Japan.
Set up & Listening:
The VIDA MkII was installed in a system consisting of a Rega Planar 8 turntable, an Audio Research LS26 preamp, and and the recently reviewed Sonnet Kratos Monoblocks amplifiers (LINK), a pair of Magnepan 1.7i speakers. Cabling was Audio Art Cable and Black Cat Cable. The VIDA MkII was plug and play, and all I did was dial in the settings for the Rega cartridge.
My plan was to listen to a series of records, with several phono stages I had on hand, then then play the same records through the VIDA MkI. It turned out to be a good plan as I was able to clearly hear the differences and what the VIDA MkII was bringing to the table. Here is a spoiler, the Aurorasound was easily the best sounding and most musically rewarding phono preamplfer, along with the Parasound JC3+, I have heard in my system. It simply checked every sonic box I am partial to. Namely, richness of tone, superb soundstage depth, and overall coherence.
One record that really stood out during the review period was a hard to find, 1991 repressing of Home To Home, from 1969, the one and only album by Fairfield Parlour, a British progressive band that changed their name from Kaleidoscope. The music is incredibly melodic, with lyrics written by the lead singer Peter Daltry, a poet by trade.
When I played the record through other phono stages, there was little dimension, and a flatness of sound. The noise level was too high as well. When I put the needle down with the VIDA MkII in the chain, the record was really transformed. It sounded like the musicians were living and breathing entities, the surface noise was pushed way into the background, and the separation of instruments was far superior.
The two standout tracks, among other selections that were gems in their own right, “Aries” and “Solider Of The Flesh” turned into mini rock operettas, with soaring vocals, piano, and yes Mellotron! I have a sneaking suspicion Freddie Mercury had heard this album in the years prior to joining Queen. The tracks had the sense of drama and scale. The piano and lead vocals were holographically rendered, to the point. one was tempted to reach out and “touch” them.
Next up was folk troubadour Mark Fry’s lost classic, Dreaming With Alice from 1972. Now And Again records produced a meticulously pressed and packaged two disc reissue. The liner notes and sound are excellent. The album was originally released on RCA records, but never got it’s just due. This version was cut from the analog master tapes by Bernie Grundman.
It is very much a time piece, with quasi renaissance themes and production techniques from the era, like tape delay, and even sitars. The songs hold up. There are excellent melodies and very engaging instrumental passages. Tracks like “The Witch” hint at mid period Donovan, with mostly acoustic accompaniment. This album was a sheer pleasure as it unfolded with the Aurorasound, producing amazingly precise transients and rhythmic flow.
We then went with something less obscure with an original A&M pressing of Free’s Fire And Water. Many consider to be the British band’s opus, with hard hitting bluesy rock, and several singles that became ubiquitous on classic rock radio, like “All Right Now”. The music packs a punch, with Paul Kossof’s massive Les Paul and Marshal amp sound, and Paul Rodger’s throaty vocal delivery.
The band’s secret weapon was the rhythm section of Simon Kirke and Andy Fraser, who propelled these signs forward with finesse. The title track is epic, and the Aurorasound made it sound fresh and vibrant. It also brought out the melancholy in the ballad, “Oh I Wept”. Simply addicting.
Ultimately the VIDA MKII arranged all the musical frequencies correctly, but more, much more than that. It captured the essence of the platters spun. Liquid midrange, and tightly controlled bass is high on my list, and the VIDA MKII delivered that in spades. Best of all, the high end was extremely natural, no grit, no dulling over.
In the end we were taken by how quiet records were with the VIDA MkII in the system. There simply seemed to be more music, and less everything else. Perhaps the most important aspect of the performance was it’s tonal accuracy. Album after album was rendered with superb coherence and depth. As a final note, we feel the upgraded power umbilical cord is a worthy purchase. It did add a subtle, yet discernible improvement in imaging and noise floor.
Conclusion
The Aurorasound VIDA MKII phono stage is simply a wonderful piece of playback gear. It had no flaw that I could put my finger on sonically or ergonomically. It looks amazing, is built with precision and craft, and has more features than most vinyl enthusiasts are accustomed to. Clearly, founder and designer Shinobu Karak’s 30 years of experience with Sony and Texas Instruments has paid off in his circuit designs. The real wood enclosure, which can also be ordered in black, is the icing on the cake
At $4999 the VIDA MKII is a class leader at this price point. If one is looking for super analytical sound, and overbearing faceplates, it would be wise to look elsewhere. However, if one is seeking sound with soul, that grabs the music and treats it with tender loving care, the Aurorasound MKII is the ticket. This will be a tough sample to send back, it will be missed.
The Company
VIDA Phono Preamplifier: $4,999
Aurorasound
www.aurorasound.jp/english
Distributor
Alfred Kainz
High-End Electronics
highend-electronics.com
office@highend-electronics.com
Phone: 760-490-2410
https://highend-electronics.com/products/aurorasound-vida-vinyl-disk-amplifier
Specifications:
Input:
1x MM Gain 40dB 47kOhm, 1x MC Gain 65dB (comp: High 10-100Ohm, Low 0.6-10Ohm)
optional 2x MC (+$250)optional rotary switch for 6 add. impedances for MC cartridge (+$750)
Output:
Line Level, unbalanced RCA, optional XLR balanced (+$1000)
RIAA Deviation:
10Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.25dB
THD+N:
0.025% - MC - A-Weighted
Input Noise:
-138dBV MC
Dimension:
60mm x D250mm x H100mm 3kg (Main Unit)
W114mm x D200mm x H70mm 1.4kg (Power Supply Unit)
Power Supply:
AC 100V-120V 50-60Hz, Max 40W