Essentially, the design of PRE III valve line pre-amplifier is akin of a power amplifier, which instead of driving high load of a speaker drives line level output. The PRE III line pre-amplifier utilises 6N6P or 5687/E182CC as a driver and a pair of triode connected EL84 is a classic power valves, which were popular in electric guitar amps and most radios in the 50s and 60s and is known for its articulate character. Altogether, the combination of powerful driver and output tubes & Signal Output Transformer (OPT) results in tonal purity, incredible transparency & the dynamic driving ability, which in turn provides an added dynamic expressiveness as the ability to dig deep into musical presentation. In combination with finest materials & component, the sound of the PRE III is transparent, characterised by scale, authority and dynamic bite.
The PRE III is a near unity gain, zero negative feedback (global or local) line pre-amplifier with a signal output transformer (OPT) de-coupled valve output stage. Signal OPT of highest quality not only increases transparency (superior to any kind of capacitors) but also lowers the output impedance of the line pre-amplifier further close to 4 Ohms, capable of driving any load of power amplifier input. That virtually unlimited driving capability of PRE III (as well as the DHT version PRE IV) line pre-amplifier acts as a supercharger to a source (DAC Phono, Tape or Radio). It is a great enhancement to any tube power amplifier, driving a sources (DAC or Phono), which has a weaker small signal (high output impedance) tube based output stage. With a help of of a PRE III, any source becomes unleashed to drive subsequent power amplifiers to its full potential.
Available with either M6 EI core, all Copper or Copper/Silver wound Double C-core Super HiB Signal OPT (Special version) or with the all Silver wound Ultra HiB for limited production Signature version. The option of a Phono pre-amplifiaction stage is also available in the forthcoming PRE III LPX version.
SW1X Audio Design™ PRE III Line Pre-amplifier Features:
Tube Compliment: 2 x EL84, 1 x 6N6P or 5687, 1 x 5U4/GZ32
Optional Extras:
Note: Due to SW1X Audio Design’s ongoing research and development process, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications
Dimensions: Height (mm) 150 x Width (mm) 440 x Depth (mm) 400
Weight (kg): 17 (with LPX Phono, 22kg)
Max Power Consumption (W): 180
Output Noise, Unweighted (mVrms): < 0.5
Output Impedance (Ohms): 4
Ordering
We do not recommend purchasing a key system component without first auditioning it carefully, which is why we have demonstration rooms and a flexible home loan policy.
However in certain situations it can be difficult for people to get to our showroom and for those instances we can offer our mail order service.