Preamplifiers

Arcam [back
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FMJ AV9 SURROUND PROCESSOR
$6,599
- Video switching
- THX Surround EX 7.1 channels & THX Ultra 2 specified
- Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx
- DTS, DTS ES, DTS 6.1 discrete, DTS NEO, DTS 6.1
- DVD-A / SACD multichannel 8-way input
- Zone 2 Audio and Video, with independent On-Screen Display
- Lip Sync delay up to 200ms for de-interlacer / frame scaler
- Software upgradeable via RS232 interface
- Acousteel damping, constrained layer case construction
- ½ dB speaker trims and 10cm / 4 inch delay settings for a more accurate sound stage
DiVA AVP700 $1,999
- Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, DTS 24/96 & Dolby Pro Logic IIx decoding
- 2-way HDMI switching
- Both balanced and unbalanced audio outputs
- 2nd zone output with audio and video
- RDS tuner on board
FMJ C31 $1,599
- Reference quality 2-channel pre amplifier
- Hermetically sealed reed relay input switching with immeasurable distortion
- Completely DC coupled for highest level of signal integrity
- Contactless electronic control of volume levels
- Clean design signal path free of extraneous circuitry
- Buffered unbalanced and balanced audio outputs (for driving longer cables)
- Optional single stage phono pre amp for MM/MC cartridges
- Large core low flux density toroidal-based power supply
- Front panel display and menu-driven user interface


FMJ C31 Preamplifier & FMJ P38 Power Amplifier Package $2,999

Belles [back
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28 A with MM/MC Phono $4,995 & with line only $2,995
The Belles 28A Stereo Reference Preamplifier has a comprehensive number of features designed to produce outstanding performance. All of the analog circuitry in the Belles 28A consists of discrete bipolar transistor class A amplifiers. The Belles 28A produces a holographic presentation with unprecedented detail, clarity and smoothness. Its dynamics are unheralded due to its high energy power supply using a 50 volt-ampere power transformer and 400,000 microfarads of filter capacitance.

LA-01 $6,750
The new Belles LA-01 Remote Controlled Line Stage Solid State Preamplifier features state of the art performance. The Belles LA-01 achieves the ultimate in musical sound performance by keeping the signal path as simple and direct as possible. In order to accomplish this, it uses an uncluttered design approach. It has no tape loop, tape outputs, theater bypass or any other features to contaminate the signal path. The preamplifier is strictly a listener playback piece of equipment.

Cayin [back
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Cayin SC-5LS $1,595
This is the new Cayin SC-5LS tube full function line stage preamplifier with remote control & a built-in phono stage. The tube compliment consists of (2) 12AX7 and (1) 12AU7. Cayin's dedicated high-end preamp, built to the same exacting standards that apply to their integrated and power amps. Yet again Cayin comes through with a gorgeous, hand-made piece - the same classic tube sound and classic tube look. This is a classic Marantz 7C design.

Creek [back
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P43
The Creek P43 is a high quality Pre-amplifier designed and
manufactured in the UK. This product has been designed with
the assistance of CAD (Computer Aided Design) to meet the
growing demand for high sound quality and increased facilities.
The P43 is extremely versatile and, although
designed to primarily work with the matching Creek A43 Power
amplifier, it can be partnered with as many as 3 regular (unbalanced)
domestic power amplifiers or one balanced and one regular.
The P43 is constructed in a similar case to the Creek 4330
Integrated Amplifier, the control layout is also similar,
but that is where the similarity ends.
The P43 case is made of alluminium for improved
sound quality. Inside the P43 lies a large high quality circuit
board that carries gold plated sockets, precision potentiometers,
signal buffering and control circuitry coupled to a connector
system that allows the P43 to be configured by the retailer
to fit the potential customer's system and budget requirements.
The P43 is a full-featured control centre with
a total of six inputs, four line level and two tape, all with
unity gain. Input 1 can be changed from a Line to a Vinyl
Disc input, by plugging a Creek MM or MC Phono module into
the mother board. Together with input listen and record switching
there are also 2 Tape outputs allowing a complex system of
Tape to Tape copying and facilities to record one signal while,
at the same time, listening to another.
You can also use the P43 in multi-room or bi/triamp
situations driving extra power amps. Three pairs of outputs
allow for connection to the matching Creek A43 amplifier or
to as many as two additional amps. The basic P43 is supplied
in passive form, with no amplification, so it does not need
power to run its circuitry.
A plug-in active amplification board is available
to boost the output voltage and power the headhone output.
This will require power from the Creek stand alone high grade
power supply OBH-2. Its possible to order the P43R version
with optional remote controlled volume and mute. An OBH-2
Creek power supply is provided to power this function, but
the P43 will still work manually, through passive outputs,
if not powered. What makes the P43 extra special is its easy
convertibility with inexpensive internal modules. There are
3 phono type output jack sockets on the P43. The Mother board
has special connectors fitted in series with each output signal
path to enable different Creek Output modules
to be plugged into the signal path.
The P43 Headphone/Line Output module
is designed to add 6 dB gain to line output 1 on the P43.
It will also amplify signals to sufficient level to drive
most types of headphones. A standard Jack socket on the front
panel allows the P43 to drive low impedance headphones, when
fitted with the Line output module. Optional MM Phono
and MC Phono modules have been designed to provide
moving magnet (5 mV) and moving coil (0.5 mV) input capability
If required, the P43 can be fitted with a Bridging Output
module, plugged into the feature socket on the volume control
PCB, which interrupts the signals to outputs 2 and 3. The
circuit is designed to provide a semi-balanced signal to a
power amp like the A43 or A52 which, if wired correctly to
the loudspeakers, will boost the A43's 50W stereo output up
to 150W mono, or the A52 to 240W mono.
Two stereo power amplifiers are required to
perform this bridged mono operation. Creek engineers have
produced a unique new design for music lovers. The Creek P43
proves that accurate, full-bodied sound can be affordable.

OBH-10
The OBH-10 provides local control of volume settings with
a motorised high quality potentiometer that can also be adjusted
manually with the control knob on the front panel, if required.
Like most volume controls, the one inside the OBH-10 is just
a high quality passive attenuator, which adjusts the level
of signal passing through it.
This method has been found to offer the least sonic interference
to the signal and in the case of the OBH-10, it also offers
a visual indication of the volume setting from the control
knob indicator. If the telephone rings, or you otherwise need
to instantly lower the volume to zero, a further useful feature
of the OBH-10 is a relay operated mute, which is designed
to ground the signal. However, the mute is only available
by remote control. To indicate the status of the OBH-10 a
tri-coloured LED will light up on power-up and change from
green to red when muted.
To use the OBH-10 in your system, it is necessary
only to split the signal path between the pre-amp and power
amp sections. In the case of separates, the OBH-10 will sit
between the signal path from the output of the pre-amp and
the input of the power amp. In the case of an integrated amplifier
however, it is necessary to wire the OBH-10 into one of its
tape loops and enable it by selecting the appropriate tape
monitor switch.
You will now have greater control over
your system with no loss of sound quality at all. Within the
OBH-10 a microcontroller procecess the signal only when it
is given a command from the remote.
OBH-12
The Creek OBH-12 enables you to sit back and turn the
volume up and down, select the input to your amplifier, have
a remote mute facility as well as providing tape monitoring
without the need to get up and press any buttons or adjust
any knobs on your amplifier.
Within the OBH-12 a built-in
micro controller processes the signal only when you give it
a command using the remote control, so that during normal
listening, the controller is in "sleep" mode, to
remove any risk of interfering with the signal passing to
your amplifier. The OBH - 12 uses tri-coloured LEDs to indicate
which input has been selected.
The LED turns yellow and pulses when a command
is being given, and then the sleep mode is indicated by the
LED reverting to green. A further useful feature of the OBH-12
is its relay operated mute. The LED turns red when the signal
is muted. The additional facility for tape monitoring is indicated
by a separate round yellow LED. The mute and tape monitoring
facilities are available only by remote control.

OBH22 $500
The function of the Creek OBH-22 passive pre-amplifier is to provide input selection and volume adjustment to a Hi-Fi system from an armchair, via infra-red remote control. The unit can also be controlled directly from the front panel.
The OBH-22 consists of a high quality motorised volume potentiometer, and two stereo relays which select the desired input plus tape output, together with a muting relay that can short the signals to ground.

Rega [back
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Cursa 3 $1595
The Rega Cursa 3 Amplifier is a high performance audio pre-amplifier using the Improved "type 3" Rega Alpha-Encoder control system comprising of high quality loss-less relays, and a digitally controlled analog switched resistor network volume control. The Cursa 3 is housed in the Rega custom-built extruded aluminum case.
Rega has further improved the technical &
sonic performance by using a dual FET differential input stage
within the discrete Op-Amp circuit.Evox Polypropylene capacitors
have been used in the signal path. The flexibility has been
further improved by adding a second Tape input.
The Cursa 3 is a fully remote controlled pre
amplifier with full flexibility within the range. There are
three phono input plug in card options; of Moving Magnet,
Moving Coil & standard Line level.
There are two Power amplifier outputs, which
can be set to any one of the three different output levels.
This enables the Cursa to drive most types of power amplifiers
with a sensitivity of 0.2V to 1.7V (please note the 1.7V output
level requires an input sensitivity of 0.3V).

Rogue
Audio [back
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Metis $995 ($1,095 w/metal remote)
- (2) 6SN7 line stage tubes
- 12 dB gain line stage
- Slow start feature extends tube life
- Solid state phono w/ 35dB gain (before preamp)
- Headphone amplifier
- (3) line level inputs, (1) phono input
- (1) variable output, (1) fixed output
- 18” W X 12.5” D X 4.5” H
- 16 lbs (22 lbs shipping weight)

Perseus $1,795
For Audiophiles who demand the very best in vacuum tube preamplification, Rogue Audio provides it with the Perseus preamplifier. With astonishing accuracy, the Perseus reference preamplifier reveals all of the nuance and detail previously hidden in your recordings. The deep taught bass and sparkling highs are recreated with surgical precision. A sublimely smooth yet uncolored midrange provides the basis for musical experiences you will wish never to end. Equally impressive are the rock solid imaging and deep soundstage that provide unparalleled musical presence.

Ninety-Nine $2,495 line stage / $2,995 with phono board
Totally transparent yet rich with detail, the Rogue Ninety-Nine
preamplifier sets a new benchmark in ultra high performance
audio. Designed and engineered without compromise, the Ninety-Nine
boasts ruler flat response, tremendous bandwidth, huge dynamic
range, and vanishingly low levels of distortion. However,
extraordinary test-bench specifications tell only part of
the story. While tube preamplifiers are widely regarded as
providing the most natural and appealing sound, the Ninety-Nine
preamplifier must be auditioned in person to be fully appreciated.
The smooth yet detailed sound of the Ninety-Nine can only
be described as remarkable, with a presence that will bring
your system to new heights of sonic performance.
From a technical standpoint, the Rogue Ninety-Nine
utilizes four 6SN7 tubes configured in a mu-follower circuit
topology. An analog remote volume control enhances the listening
experience without compromising sonic integrity, and a logical
turn on procedure protects downstream components while prolonging
tube life and performance. The massive power supply includes
a toroidal transformer in a separate chassis, high-speed HEXFRED
diodes, seven separate regulators and a toroidal high voltage
transformer. An uncompromised "leading edge" design
housed in an elegant and refined package. Truly ... An Intelligent
Indulgence.

Athena $4,995
Based on our flagship Hera preamplifier, the Athena offers reference level performance in a more compact single box design. The Athena uses four 6H30P tubes in a mu-follower configuration to provide outstanding detail and dynamics. A seperate power supply housing two torroidal transformers keeps the noise floor extremely low and provides power to the enormous power supplies located in the main chassis. Features include a phase invert button, unity gain bypass, buffered tape monitor, processor loop and a motorized stepped attenuator.

Hera $7,495
After more than three years of research and development, Rogue Audio proudly introduces the Hera reference preamplifier. The Hera’s innovative and proprietary circuitry utilizes eight of the Russian military’s 6H30P tubes in a balanced design that stretches the bounds of modern preamplifier technology. And that technology translates into amazing detail, smoothness and refinement which has effectively redefined the level of performance that can be expected from a reference caliber preamplifier.

VAS industires [back
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VAS Citation Sound I
The VAS Citation Sound I Phono Stage + Preamplifier is a treat for any audiophile. A close inspection to the detail, build quality and functionality will impress even the most discerning critic. Rare to any component, this linestage has separate Bass and Treble step-type tone controls for each channel. There?? even a Blend control for a center channel! The controls are completely out of the circuit when in the flat position to eliminate phase shift and transient distortion inherent in all tone controls. Special treble cut contains scratch filter for sharp roll-off without ringing. Each amplification stage is flat over an extremely wide range and is surrounded with a feedback loop. D.C. on all heaters and the use of low noise resistors in critical places are implemented to reduce thermal agitation and hum. Separate turnover and roll-off equalization controls for virtually any combination of record or tape playback equalization curves. Continuously variable blend control acts as a third channel gain control or as a crossfeed control if a center channel is not used. Zero to infinity balance control offering full range and complete cut off for either speaker.
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