Hi-Fi Preamplifiers
These preamplifiers use very direct circuit and wiring topologies to keep the signal path as uncluttered as possible. Top quality components like Solen and Auricap capacitors and precision resistors are used through out the preamplifier. Input and output connectors are gold plated. This preamplifier uses a 5Y3 full wave vacuum tube rectifier in the power supply and the classic 12AU7 and 12AX7 twin triodes in Cascode type gain stages. Controls are very simple with just volume and selector switches. Balance is initially set via trimmer pots and is set balanced when the preamplifier is built. But these can be adjusted on site to compensate for any imbalance in the power amplifier to be driven. Gain and output is essentially the same as the classic preamplifiers like the Dynaco PAS2 and Scott LC21.
Here you can see the input and output jacks as well as the line reverse type power switch and fully grounded power cord which is permanently connected so you don't need to worry about it getting lost or making a poor connection over time due to corrosion. The fuse holder gives easy access to the main fuse without having to disassemble the preamplifier All tubes sit out in the open for easy access and proper cooling. The power transformer is made by Hammond and has enough reserve capacity to maintain it's cool under all operating conditions. The basic preamplifier has 4 stereo inputs and one stereo output. Upgraded versions will have up to six stereo inputs, a tape out and an out for the power amplifier. This preamplifier was designed to be transparent with respect to sound. To add or subtract nothing from the original sounds being reproduced. The circuitry in this preamplifier is capable of reproducing perfect square and sine waves from the sub sonic to well beyond the range of human hearing. The low distortion and sonic quality is derived from quality components and circuit design as opposed to trick circuit modifications and the use of a lot of negative feedback to mask sonic deficiencies. This is a basic great sounding preamplifier designed to let you hear all the music without any coloration. The preamplifier was designed to allow the user to adjust volume levels of the power amp driven and to select between many different sources while adding and or subtracting nothing from the original sound source. This is what a preamplifier should do. Adding the 'tube color' to the sound is not what one wants in a preamplifier. The Preamplifier is not a digital effects box but rather a means to control the power amplifier via volume attenuation and source selection. The phono stage does offer the standard RIAA frequency correction and high gain needed for proper play back of Lp records. If you are into vacuum tube audio, chances are you also have a collection of Lp records and a turntable to play them on. Most preamplifiers built today do not include a phono preamplifier stage leaving you with no option but to buy a separate unit. With this preamp you have one built right in using the classic 12AX7 dual triode tube. This stage is only used when you select phono. The other inputs use only the line stage. The bottom line is that this is a real great performing and sounding all tube preamplifier designed to be ultra simple to operate and to deliver superior sound and reliability.
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