Pre Amplifiers
The preamplifer is the connection point for your audio sources. It not only lets you control the volume, but it also deals with the signals when they are the most delicate.
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Yamaha C-5000 preamplifier ... how one should be made
In pursuit of the intangible musical quality that breathes life into high-fidelity audio, the world's largest sound company presents the C-5000 pre-amplifier. From the concert stage to the home, Yamaha has drawn on its vast musical history to create an instrument capable of faithfully reproducing every nuance and emotion in the performance. Perfectly balanced signal transmission Floating balanced pre-amp Symmetrical, folding-book circuit design Low-impedance design Rigid and precise design Dual Toroidal Transformer Learn More -
Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3, Preamplifier
The English brand Chord Electronics have taken the HiFi world by storm in the last couple of decades. Their new Pre 3 and matching Ultima 5 embodies their progress over that time.
It was emblematic to see Chord Electronics Pre and Powers on a whole range of systems at the most recent Munich Hi-End HiFi show. Most notably Monitor Audio chose Chord to power their brand new Concept 50 Loudspeakers even though they own a not to shabby amplifier brand, Roksan.
Chord produces equipment on another level. There is no trial and error, snake oil or guesswork that goes into Chord. It's cold hard engineering, knowledge and a dedication to simply producing exceptional quality units - with no compromise.
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Naim NSC 222 New Classic series streaming preamplifier
This is a unit that is ultimately a high-end Hi-Fi component but it's ease of use and multitude of functions put it into the upmarket lifestyle realm as well. 'Lifestyle' for me has become a bit of a cringeworthy term that has too often become associated with some compromise in audio quality for the sake of a better end user experience. To be honest though, we should be aiming for both and they are not mutually exclusive!
Naim embody that ease of use combined with incredible sound. Their streaming app works every time, they have on board DACs to simplify connections and the units are sleek, beautifully finished yet understated and classy.
And this combination takes things to the next level. Where the Uniti Nova lets you down on separation and power to drive a difficult set of speakers, this combination proffers that in spades.
We tried a couple of different sets of speakers with these three units and like them most with the Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage...but come in and try some combinations for yourself.
Naim products bought from us, a genuine approved Naim dealer, include the full 2 year warranty.
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Audio Research LS28SE Pre Amplifier
The LS28 has been a favourite pre-amp of mine for a number of years trumped only by Audio Research's Ref 6SE. But that Ref 6SE stays put (generally) in our reference system. It's the LS28 that gets moved around, played and loved in a whole lot of combinations. It was sad to see our demo unit go but it's gone to a good home where it'll be appreciated.
The new LS28SE has the same musicality and relaxed engagement but even more clarity, focus and quickness. It's taking the expensive gold coupling caps from the REF 6SE and the same wiring and parts upgrades that the REF6SE went through.
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Audio Research Ref 6SE (Special Edition)
The Reference 6SE replaces the Reference 6 and offers the highest performance ever available in a single-chassis preamplifier. Benefitting from the development that went into the Reference 160-series amplifiers, and the latest Reference 750SEL, the 6SE incorporates a myriad of new parts that have been judiciously incorporated into its design. The final 6SE would not have been possible without these revolutionary amplifiers.
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The Yamaha 5000 system ... when a music instrument superpower makes a high fidelity system
This is an ambitious high end single brand system that throws down the gauntlet from Japan to the rest of the World. Needless to say Yamaha have the resources to pull something like this off. Although the elements of the 5000 are firmly based on the iconic NS1000 loudspeakers and the turntable pre and power amplifiers of the time, this system is thoroughly representative of third decade 21st century materials and design. The Absolute Sound on the Yamaha 5000 system Learn More