Aurorasound Vida Prima

Aurorasound VIDA Prima: The Affordable Phono Preamplifier That Puts Music First

In the serious world of phono preamps, Aurorasound takes a minimalist retro approach with its VIDA Prima. This little gem, more affordable than its bigger siblings, boasts simple elegance and impeccable finishing. Its dark wood case, plain aluminum front panel, and large orange mute button set the tone: no gimmicks here, just music.

Why it wins hearts immediately?

• Natural and smooth sound
  The playback is gentle, slightly sweet without being overdone. A real ear caress.

• Open and detailed
  VIDA Prima digs deep into every groove, revealing details often hidden in the vinyl.

• MC/MM versatility
  Thanks to precise impedance settings (+40 dB MM / +64 dB MC) and well-thought switches, it suits a wide range of cartridges.

• Careful build quality
  A sturdy chassis, gold-plated connectors, toroidal power supply with Schottky diodes — quality is assured.

• Simple, effective ergonomics
  Controls are clear and accessible, no hassle.

Key technical specs

• MM Gain: +40 dB

• MC Gain: +64 dB with two MC impedance options (<15 ohms or >15 ohms)

• Inputs: 1 MM + 1 MC

• Outputs: RCA line-level

• Dimensions: 25 x 6.9 x 24.6 cm

• Weight: 2.2 kg

• Price range: Around €1,000

Listening session with Aurorasound VIDA Prima

Mount your Transrotor Figaro cartridge on the arm, drop the stylus on Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debby, and let the magic flow. The VIDA Prima delivers incredible delicacy, revealing every breath of the double bass, the piano’s subtle nuances, and the intimate jazz club atmosphere. The soundstage is wide, precise, and almost tangible.

Switch gears with Yussef Kamaal’s Black Focus spinning. The groove’s pulse is perfectly controlled, percussion snaps just right, and the keyboard wraps everything warmly. Nothing is forced — everything feels natural.

With a Transrotor Merlo Référence cartridge, the sonic journey deepens. On Anouar Brahem’s Le voyage de Sahar, instruments answer each other in near-sacred silence, each note seems to float. VIDA Prima stays neutral, delivering a faithful and uncolored playback.

Finally, play Feist’s Let It Die: intimate vocals, gentle guitar, and natural reverb. The preamp supports this experience with disarming simplicity, far from flashy effects, letting emotion take center stage.

Final verdict

The VIDA Prima is the perfect companion for anyone wanting to dive into vinyl with a machine that respects the music above all. Unpretentious, it bets on clarity, warmth, and expressiveness, avoiding the extremes of overly clinical or colored sound. For a modest price, it offers a serious entry point into Japanese high-end tradition — true to Aurorasound’s legacy.

Available now at Expert HiFi. Your vinyl records will thank you.