Préamplificateur phono Aurorasound Vida Prima

Aurorasound never ceases to amaze us! Following the release of its flagship model, the Vida Supreme phono preamplifier, the Japanese manufacturer is now offering an entry-level model with high aspirations: the Vida Prima phono preamplifier!

While this may be the brand’s most affordable model, it embodies all of Aurorasound’s expertise and DNA.

Aurorasound Vida Prima: Chassis

It features the “vintage/modern” look characteristic of Aurorasound’s products.

The aluminum chassis is encased in a wooden shell.

Aurorasound Vida Prima: Front Panel and Rear Panel

The front panel features only a power indicator light and the now-famous “large” mute switch.

On the back of the Vida Prima, you’ll find RCA inputs and outputs, as well as an IEC power connector.

There are also two rotary switches. The first, a two-position switch, allows you to select MM or MC gain—40 or 64 dB. The second, a three-position switch, allows you to select the load: MM (47,000 ohms), very low-impedance MC, and medium-impedance MC. Note that this refers to the cartridge’s internal impedance and not its recommended resistive load; that is, MC cartridges with an internal resistance lower than or higher than 14 ohms.

Using this phono preamplifier has been simplified as much as possible.

Aurorasound Vida Prima: Circuit

The internal RIAA circuit combines NF compensation with a CR-type design. This allows for the reproduction of a nuanced yet full-bodied sound, while minimizing distortion and improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

The components were selected for their performance and musicality: Texas Instruments semiconductors, WIMA film capacitors, Japanese precision resistors…

Aurorasound Vida Prima: Power Supply

This time, the power supply has been housed inside the Vida Prima’s chassis.

It is built around a toroidal transformer, fast diodes, and audiophile-grade filtering capacitors. The RIAA circuit is quite complex and fully optimized to be as transparent and neutral as possible.

Aurorasound Vida Prima: Testing and Listening

We powered it on three days before taking a closer look!

From the very first measurements, we were surprised by the level of analysis and precision. The Vida Prima seems completely free of any coloration. You can hear everything, and everything is in its proper place.

The soundstage is extremely precise, and some instruments truly extend beyond the boundaries of the speaker.

The bass is very articulate and nuanced, emphasizing its physical presence. The upper midrange is very neutral and completely transparent, with a level of detail worthy of much more expensive phono preamps.

With this Vida Prima phono preamplifier, Aurorasound offers a high-performance product that fully embodies its identity and philosophy—and at a price that’s simply mind-blowing!

The real highlight of the new season! The new benchmark!

STEREO-monthly Jan 19 & analog vol.62 winter - “Perfect Listening”

“The remarkable sound quality of this preamp undoubtedly makes it a steal, a bargain, and a revelation. Aurorasound has created an exceptionally neutral piece of equipment capable of outperforming much more expensive models. The Vida Prima is undoubtedly one of the phono preamps that will remain etched in our memory.” Haute Fidélité France - June 2019

AWARDS:

Hi-Fi News - Highly Recommended - 2019

Analog - Grand Prix - 2019

Haute-Fidélité - Best Buy - 2019

Pure Audio VGP - 2020

Audiophile Videophile - Impressive Equipment of the Year - 2019/2020

Audio Video Poland - Editors’ Choice - 2020

Audio Stereoplay - 2024

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Aurorasound Vida Prima phono preamp

Is this preamp compatible with both MM and MC cartridges?

Yes, two rotary selectors on the front let you choose the gain (40 dB for MM, 64 dB for MC) and the matching loading: 47,000 ohms for MM, then two MC positions (very low impedance or medium impedance) depending on whether your cartridge's internal resistance is below or above roughly 14 ohms. Remember to check your MC cartridge's internal resistance to select the right setting. Using this phono preamp has been made as simple as possible. Aurorasound has not finished surprising us.

Which components set this phono preamp apart from more basic models?

The RIAA circuit combines NF compensation with a CR type for a nuanced sound while limiting distortion, with components chosen for their musicality: Texas Instruments semiconductors, WIMA film capacitors and Japanese precision resistors. The power supply, built into the chassis (unlike the more upmarket Vida Supreme), is based on a toroidal transformer and fast diodes. After releasing its flagship, the Vida Supreme phono preamp, the Japanese maker offers an entry-level model with high ambitions: the Vida Prima phono preamp. The upper midrange is very neutral and completely transparent, with a level of insight worthy of far more expensive phono preamps.

What is the design philosophy of the casework?

The Vida Prima adopts the "vintage/modern" look characteristic of Aurorasound: an aluminium enclosure surrounded by a wooden shell. The front panel remains deliberately minimalist, with a simple power indicator and the brand's well-known large mute switch. With this Vida Prima phono preamp, Aurorasound offers a very high-performing product that fully retains its identity and philosophy, at a simply astonishing price. Although it is an affordable model for the brand, it incorporates all of Aurorasound's expertise and DNA.

Has this entry-level model won awards?

Yes, despite its more accessible position in the Aurorasound range, the Vida Prima has received several accolades from the specialist press: Highly Recommended at Hi-Fi News (2019), Grand Prix Analog (2019), Meilleur Achat Haute-Fidélité (2019), as well as VGP and Stereoplay selections in the following years. The components were chosen for their performance and musicality: Texas Instruments semiconductor, WIMA film capacitors, Japanese precision resistor, and so on. This time the power supply has been placed inside the Vida Prima's enclosure. It carries the "vintage/modern" look of Aurorasound's products.