Pre Amps

Audio Research has produced some of the finest components for music reproduction; this is especially true with regard to preamplifiers. In 1973, the SP3 was hailed by every major critic as the best preamplifier available, and this tradition of excellence has continued ever since. The Reference Series from Audio Research was first introduced in 1995 and has been the ultimate representation of performance, musicality and dynamics. The Reference 6SE is the latest chapter in our story.

The LS28SE line stage is a flexible and intuitive preamplifier. Four balanced and four single-ended inputs, and two sets of both balanced and single-ended outputs, allow maximum connectivity. The straightforward menu allows control of numerous parameters, including input naming, tube hours, auto shutdown, and home theater passthrough. Phase invert and mono are also standard functions. At the heart of the LS28SE are four 6H30 vacuum tubes in the analog circuit. While the LS28SE is the perfect match for any Audio Research amplifier, it has been designed to work with nearly any amplifier on the market today.

We like to say the Inspiration PREAMP 1.0 is distilled, not diluted. It embodies the essence of our earlier work while retaining the subjective musicality and objective performance that won so much acclaim for our previous preamps.

Constellation Audio, the renowned luxury goods manufacturer of high performance solid-state electronics, is pleased to announce the introduction of the new Revelation Series of components at CES 2017. CEO Dr. Murali Murugasu challenged his dream team of designers and engineers to develop a new series of Constellation Audio components that could deliver the essence of our renowned Performance Series. The results are truly a Revelation.

Virgo III is a subtle but significant evolution of our Virgo II line stage preamplifier. The new version introduces a unique, passive implementation of a digital volume control created by our "dream team" of world-renowned audio engineers.

Only the Momentum preamplifier can deliver the sound quality necessary to get the maximum possible performance from the Momentum monoblock and stereo amps.

Like the Momentum amplifiers, the preamplifier uses complementary balanced circuit topology for maximum bandwidth and low noise. Its audio circuitry is fully discrete, with no op amps. Zero-feedback design assures the most musical sound quality. Volume adjustment is made through a resistor ladder governed by an optical controller—the cleanest, most transparent possible method of controlling volume.

The Progression Preamplifier adds new features previously not included in a D’Agostino preamplifier. Most noticeably, the Progression Preamplifier features an optional digital module. The digital module adds coaxial, Toslink, and USB capability to the analog base model. A fully differential DAC handles PCM signals up to 24 bit/384 KHz and DSD signals up to 4xDSD (11.2 MHz). This digital module feeds a discrete, fully complementary and balanced analog signal path from input to output. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the Progression Preamplifier, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is less than < 0.006% and the open loop bandwidth extends to over 100KHz.

The darTZeel NHB-18NS is the logical partner to the now acclaimed NHB-108 model one power amplifier. In keeping with the very same philosophy, darTZeel uses dedicated circuits reduced to their most basic form. Here again, there is no application of any overall negative feedback. The delicate, small audio signal amplified by the NHB-18NS only passes through 8 silicon junctions from input to output, including the 13dB full discrete gain stage. For the phono stage, we only add 3 junctions, for a maximum additional boost of 60 dB (73 dB in total).

Incredibly compact valve pre-amplifier for analogue line level. Using three ECC88s to create smooth sound. Luxurious design with chrome facia and gold or chrome knobs. Connect up to five analogue line inputs with a tape output.

Engineered on the same core technologies as the studio grade brother, the EAR 912. The EAR 868’s smaller size may mean theres less of it but there’s nothing less to it. It’s still big on performance with circuitry designed by Tim de Paravicini. The 868 utilises the same reliable PCC88s in a configuration of four.

The EAR 912 is a culmination of Tim de Paravicini’s work with professional studios. Specifically designed for playback in studios, inheriting the product a rich feature set in addition to its high grade sound.

he Illusion II is the perfect centerpiece for a world class digital and analog audio system. Added to the normal selection of balanced and single- ended inputs are five digital inputs. The digital module features AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital inputs for use with streaming devices or other digital sources.

Circuitry Highlights: the Illusion II preamplifier is a dual monaural design with the left and right channels afforded their own power supply regulation and individual circuit boards. All signal gain is executed with surface mount technology using proprietary multiple-output current mirrors with nearly 500 times the open loop linearity of other designs. Featuring 700 kHz bandwidth in a zero feedback, balanced, Krell Current Mode design, the Illusion II shares the same design philosophy as its bigger brother, the flagship Illusion preamplifier. Negative feedback is not used anywhere in the preamp, nor is it necessary. Open-loop distortion is typically less than 0.003%. The volume control is realized with a balanced resistor ladder - bandwidth and transient response of the preamp circuitry are virtually unaffected by the volume setting.