What Hi Fi Sound and Vision 06 NOV 2007

Edwards Audio MM1

£ 125 3

* * *

Creaky sockets and a slightly creaky sound hamper this neat phono amp

For
Great looks and generally good build; good detail and reasonable tonal balance
Against
Inputs are a bit poor; doesn’t have the authority or detail of the best

Edwards Audio is an offshoot of Talk Electronics, so while the brand is new, there's much audio experience behind the MM1 phono stage's design. This is a neat little moving-magnet-only unit that looks far classier than its price would suggest.

However, though build is good on the whole, the phono inputs and outputs around the back creak a little during connection, due in part to a small amount of flex on the plastic panel.

Sound quality is decent rather than outstanding for the money. Detail levels are pleasing, and the tonal balance is pretty even. However, when music really gets going, the MM1 doesn't have the dynamic punch, authority or transparency to really challenge the class-leaders.