PreamplifiersPreamplifiers
Emotiva XSP-1 Balanced Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 29 April 2013
Balanced connections are popping up on more and more audio products these days. But it only really counts when the internal circuitry is fully balanced, which is the case for the Emotiva XSP-1 stereo preamplifier, all for less than $1,000.
Funk LAP-2.V3 Preamplifier
- Written by Jim Clements
- Published on 03 April 2013
It is becoming increasingly popular for high end audio buffs to use pro studio gear in their home systems. This preamp from a German manufacturer that makes pro gear is in keeping with this trend. As a matter of fact...
PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Stereo Tube Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 22 November 2010
We have been on a roll with reviewing PrimaLuna and Mysterè products, and they have all sounded terrific. The current review is on the PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Preamplifier, and would you believe it . . . it sounds terrific too. Compared to the standard version of the preamplifier, the Premium has a new front-end design using all 12AU7's in a dual-mono configuration, a larger power transformer, home theater pass-through, a remote control while still using the higher end Alps Blue Velvet potentiometer, larger chassis with DiaLogue class cosmetics, tube rectification, and point to point wiring.
Pass Labs XP-10 Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 29 October 2012
In the past, we reviewed the Pass Labs XP-20 and XP-30 stereo preamplifiers. Now, we come full circle with a review of the remaining member of their preamplifier trio, the XP-10, which is the least expensive model. It is fully balanced, and has a slightly different sound character compared to the other two, which also sound different from one another. All three are great products, so you can choose based on price and/or sound characteristics.
Mystere ca21 Stereo Tube Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 29 July 2010
Following on our recent review of the Mystere pa21 stereo tube power amplifier, we now review the matching preamplifier, the ca21. It is a single gain stage design, with only one buffer and one capacitor in the signal path. It is as beautiful as its brother, and sounds great as well. Read on.
Classe CP-800 Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 25 April 2012
Classé's new CP-800 is a high performance ("High-End") stereo preamplifier, but it is not just yet another preamp with minor changes from previous models. This one has the option of switching in some DSP that adds several EQ bands and dedicated stereo subwoofer outputs. If you don't use the DSP, it's not in the signal path, and you can still call yourself a "purist" audiophile. Have no doubts; this is a very unique product, and the performance is stellar.
Lamm LL1 Signature Stereo Tube Preamplifier - An Audiophile's Dream
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 08 July 2010
Lamm introduces their LL1 Signature preamplifier, which is the partner to their ML3 Signature power amplifier. Both the LL1 and ML3 are cost-no-object products using only the finest parts that can be found anywhere in the world. The design is based on Vladimir Lamm's 50 year career in design of tube components that perform at the extreme limits of sonic perfection. The LL1 is a $43,000 four-chassis, 114 pound, state-of-the-art masterpiece.
Pass Labs XP-30 Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 01 December 2011
Recently, we reviewed the Pass Labs XP-20 stereo preamplifier, and it was marvelous. Hot on its heels is the new XP-30...
Lamm LL2.1 Stereo Tube Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 10 May 2010
Lamm Industries has been a venerable brand name in high end audio for decades. They build each product when it is ordered, so you won't see a bunch of any particular model "in stock" anywhere. Their specialty is tube-based preamplifiers and power amplifiers, with their top-of-the-line power amplifier selling at well over $100,000. The current review focuses on the model LL2.1 stereo preamplifier. At $5,995, it is the most affordable preamplifier in the Lamm product line.
The LL2.1 is an updated version of a previous model. Several new features have been added along with modifications of the basic circuit.
Pass Labs XP-20 Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 01 August 2011
After having tested a Pass power amplifier and phono preamplifier, I could not wait to get my hands on a preamplifier, to complete the system analysis. The subject of this review is the venerable XP-20, which has been in the Pass inventory since 2009. It's a fully balanced design, with separate power supply chassis for low noise. The bench test results were quite surprising. Read on to see for yourselves.
McCormack LD-2 Preamplifier and DNA-250 Stereo Power Amplifier
- Written by Jim Milton
- Published on 26 October 2009
In 1997, McCormack Audio was purchased by Conrad-Johnson, known primarily for their fine tube amps and preamps. They have the same high quality and value that Steve McCormack put into his designs in California, but these current products are basically an entirely new line (and are built in Virginia). In this review, we take a look at one of their line-stage preamps, and a stereo (two-channel) power amplifier.
