The LPU III Balanced is a Signal Output Transfomer (OPT) de-coupled phono pre-amplifier with a pure class-A, zero-negative-feedback, single-ended circuit.
The SW1X LPU III Balanced Phono Preamplifier delivers a listening experience that’s as natural as it is immersive. With an organic sound signature, it brings music to life in a way that feels unforced, smooth, and emotionally engaging. The LPU III’s rich, warm tones, paired with its dynamic clarity and expansive soundstage, ensure every detail is presented with breathtaking authenticity.
Just like with all our Balanced versions, highest Quality Signal Output Transformers further improve transparency & dynamics. The classic RIAA circuit is made of specially selected materials & components out of production and only available in limited quantities.
The EF86
LPU I, LPU II and LPU III family of Phono Pre-Amplifiers share similar tube input stage – a pair of EF86 pentode tubes. Due to their brilliant sound character, the EF86 tubes were commonly used in many radios and RTR tape recorders in the early 60s. The idea of their circuit design was borrowed from the input stage of early Reel to Reel (RTR) tape recorders, which were used in the mastering studios and radio stations. Maybe that is one of the reasons as why most recording from the 60s are sounding at their best, much better than from the 70s and 80s? In a way, the EF86 input tube design closes the loop and makes all our LPU Phono Amps range a timeless classic.
“The LPU III’s transparency and 3D presentation made me feel like I’d been pulled right into the room where the group performed.” – Michael Fremer
The SW1X LPU III Balanced Phono Preamplifier delivers a listening experience that’s as natural as it is immersive. With an organic sound signature, it brings music to life in a way that feels unforced, smooth, and emotionally engaging. The LPU III’s rich, warm tones, paired with its dynamic clarity and expansive soundstage, ensure every detail is presented with breathtaking authenticity.
Just like with all our Balanced versions, highest Quality Signal Output Transformers further improve transparency & dynamics over LPU I and LPU II. The classic RIAA circuit is made of specially selected materials & components out of production and only available in limited quantities.
LPU I, LPU II and LPU III family of Phono Pre-Amplifiers share similar tube input stage- a pair of EF86 pentode tubes. Due to the brilliant sound character of the EF86 those tubes were commonly used in many radios and RTR tape recorders in the early 60s. The idea of their circuit design was borrowed from the input stage of early Reel to Reel (RTR) tape recorders, which were used in the mastering studios and radio stations. Maybe that is one of the reasons as why most recording from the 60s are sounding at their best, much better than from the 70s and 80s? In a way, the EF86 input tube design closes the loop and makes all our LPU Phono Pre-Amplifier range a timeless classic.
“The LPU III’s transparency and 3D presentation made me feel like I’d been pulled right into the room where the group performed.” – Michael Fremer
The SW1X LPU III Balanced Phono Preamplifier delivers a listening experience that’s as natural as it is immersive. With an organic sound signature, it brings music to life in a way that feels unforced, smooth, and emotionally engaging. The LPU III’s rich, warm tones, paired with its dynamic clarity and expansive soundstage, ensure every detail is presented with breathtaking authenticity.
Just like with all our Balanced versions, highest Quality Signal Output Transformers further improve transparency & dynamics over LPU I and LPU II. The classic RIAA circuit is made of specially selected materials & components out of production and only available in limited quantities.
LPU I, LPU II and LPU III family of Phono Pre-Amplifiers share similar tube input stage- a pair of EF86 pentode tubes. Due to the brilliant sound character of the EF86 those tubes were commonly used in many radios and RTR tape recorders in the early 60s. The idea of their circuit design was borrowed from the input stage of early Reel to Reel (RTR) tape recorders, which were used in the mastering studios and radio stations. Maybe that is one of the reasons as why most recording from the 60s are sounding at their best, much better than from the 70s and 80s? In a way, the EF86 input tube design closes the loop and makes all our LPU Phono Pre-Amp range a timeless classic.
The phono preamp’s airy and convincing spatial staging was matched by its delivery of well-saturated, natural instrumental timbres with rhythm’n’pacing and “punch” to spare.
