Phasemation CM-1500 Hybrid Passive Preamplifier

Patented "Control Meister" Technology at an Accessible Price

The CM-1500 represents Phasemation's innovative approach to preamplification, bringing the acclaimed "Control Meister" philosophy from the flagship CM-2200 to a more accessible price point. This hybrid passive preamplifier contains no active circuits, yet achieves the ideal combination of high input impedance and low output impedance through Phasemation's patented Hybrid Passive Attenuator technology.

Patented Hybrid Passive Attenuator

The CM-1500 combines the best attributes of both resistive and transformer-based volume control. This patented design delivers high input impedance (47kΩ or more) and low output impedance (250Ω or less)—characteristics typically difficult to achieve simultaneously in passive designs. The result is highly expressive sound with exceptional clarity, maintaining full detail even at lower listening volumes.

Key Features

• Patented Hybrid Passive Attenuator – Combines resistive and transformer volume control for ideal impedance characteristics

• Three Gain Settings – +6dB, 0dB, -10dB for precise system matching with any amplifier

• 23-Position Volume Control – Fine adjustment from 0dB to -50dB attenuation

• Balanced Transformer Design – Dual HOT/COLD windings enable balanced output from unbalanced sources

• Ultra-High Channel Separation – 100dB or more (20Hz-20kHz) for precise soundstage imaging

• Simultaneous Outputs – Drive two power amplifiers at once (Output 1 and Output 2)

• Flexible Connectivity – Three unbalanced (RCA) and two balanced (XLR) inputs; two sets of balanced/unbalanced outputs

• Premium Materials – Ultra-thin 0.1mm Super Malloy core with PC-TripleC polyurethane wire

• Gold-Plated Contacts – All rotary switches and terminals for long-term reliability

• 10mm Aluminum Slant Panel – Elegant design matching flagship CM-2200

• Comprehensive Shielding – Copper-plated 1.6mm steel chassis base with magnetic shielding

• Heavy Metal Insulators – Block external vibrations for pure, blur-free sound

• No Active Circuitry – Zero electronic noise or power supply influence

Balanced Output from Any Source

The CM-1500's innovative transformer design features two separate attenuator windings for balanced HOT and COLD signals. This allows the transformer to generate a true balanced output even when fed from unbalanced sources—enabling complete balanced signal paths without external conversion.

Precision Volume Control

The three-stage gain switching (-10/0/+6dB) combined with 23-position stepped attenuator provides exceptionally fine volume adjustment. The transformer winding structure has been refined to ensure wide-range frequency response and consistent impedance characteristics at any gain setting, so the CM-1500's precise sound image localization can be enjoyed at all volume levels.

Designed for Modern Systems

The CM-1500 excels with today's low-efficiency speakers and low-gain amplifiers. The +6dB gain mode provides ample volume for demanding systems, while the -10dB setting tames excessive gain in sensitive systems. The flexible gain structure ensures optimal matching regardless of system configuration.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Passive Attenuator Controller

• Input Impedance: 47kΩ or more

• Output Impedance: 250Ω or less

• Gain: -10dB / 0dB / +6dB (switchable)

• Channel Separation: 100dB or more (20Hz-20kHz)

• Frequency Response: 10Hz–40kHz (+0, -3dB)

• Volume Control: 23-position stepped attenuator (0dB to -50dB)

• Input Terminals: RCA × 3, XLR × 2

• Output Terminals: RCA × 2, XLR × 2 (two independent output pairs)

• Core Material: Ultra-thin 0.1mm Super Malloy

• Winding Material: PC-TripleC polyurethane wire

• Dimensions: 430 × 93 × 362mm (W×H×D)

• Weight: 8.0kg

• Finish: Champagne aluminum (10mm slant panel)

• Power: Passive (zero consumption)

Industry Recognition

• Stereo Magazine (2024) – Best Buy Components, Number 1 Pre-Amplifier under ¥1,200,000

• Analog Magazine (2025) – Analog Grand Prix Award