REFERENCE 10

LINE STAGE PREAMPLIFIER

In 2010 we announced the Reference Anniversary preamplifier, a special limited edition product commemorating our 40th anniversary. It was acclaimed by many as the finest preamplifier available and a fitting tribute to all of the classic Audio Research products that were introduced during the forty years that preceded it. That we would only accept new orders for this special product during the anniversary year surprised almost everyone, but we considered the limited time frame appropriate. Since that time, we have learned a few things, and the result of that knowledge led to the development of the Reference 10. Included are critically chosen new components, proprietary custom-made capacitors, wiring, and new connectors that cumulatively provide a level of performance never before achieved. Key Audio Research design traits remain: The signal path is fully discrete, all-tube, pure Class-A, with zero feedback. Other attributes and choices remain, too: Each unit is completely hand-soldered and hand-constructed in our Minnesota facility using the finest materials, with major components such as custom transformers, plated-through circuit boards, and casework sourced locally. All engineering is performed in-house.

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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

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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 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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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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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.

 "Audiophilia" on the NSC222

 "What Hi Fi?" on the NSC222

 "Secrets of Home Theatre and High Fidelity" on the NSC222 as a system with 250 power and 300 power supply

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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

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This made an immediate and frankly stunning effect when I added it to the system pictured. Before we had been running the PS Audio Transport, DAC, and power amplifier together as a minimalist high powered high current set of kit readily able to drive the highly transparent Monitor Audio Platinum II loudspeakers. Adding the BHK Signature Preamp bought the system to life. The music leapt holographically into the room and was just a consuming experience. Whereas before it had been good, but somehow unmoving, now one was just swept up and carried off by the music. Brilliant. Learn More

The Altair G2.1 is the unit in Auralic's range that does it all. A Preamplifier, DAC and Streamer with options to put in a 2TB hard drive and even a CD ripper. 

The Preamplifier is also a full blown analogue preamplifier. Not only does it have the analogue line and Moving Magnet phono inputs, it also doesn't simply convert these into digital signals within the chassis. Rather they are kept completely separate from the digital circuitry. Also the volume control is an analogue design based on resistive ladder construction. A less noisy, cleaner choice than other designs out there. Such all-in-one units have tended to use cheaper less fullfilling preamplifier modules that I normally recommend customers to bypass. That's not the case here.

Also a superior power supply and thick copper shielded chassis with isolating feet mean that noise and vibrations are kept to an absolute minimum. Couple that with a pair of super accurate clocks reducing jitter and this is a unit that stands above others in its category.

Clean, effortless sound and a unit that ticks all the boxes.

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Our Prima preamp forms part of the stylish and compact Choral range and has been designed to complement our Mezzo power amps. Despite its compact dimensions and space-saving footprint, the Prima is every bit a pedigree Chord amplifier.

Precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet, the Prima offers both remote control and front panel operation. Prima’s fascia offers volume and balance controls while its push-button controls atop the unit, offer input selection and tape line selection, the latter enabling its tape outputs to be selected for recording from source components.  Further design features include a top panel display, offering input choice and volume information, plus a clever porthole which enables the internal circuit board to be seen.

The Prima also benefits from our legendary proprietary Ultra-High-Frequency power supply, which is common to all Chord amplifiers. Prima offers fully balanced circuitry throughout and useful flexibility with five inputs, four unbalanced RCA and one balanced XLR, plus a balanced XLR output and a tape output. For added versatility, Prima’s audio circuit offers six independent input gain adjustments for the five inputs and low impedance outputs.

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Musical Fidelity describe this Pre-amplifier as one with no limits. 

The inside of this machine looks more like the circuitry on a dual mono integrated amplifier rather than a pre-amplifier. Two big toroidal transformer power supplies sit front and centre. That's unusual for a pre-amplifier and gives it an extraordinary sense of heft and musical importance.

 

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The new reference model pre amplifier from Cyrus has tongues wagging at Carlton Audio Visual. We're massive fans of Cyrus gear and admirers of the expertise and craft that goes into this small boutique English manufacturer.

It's no coincidence that many world renowned HiFi brands like Cyrus have popped up around the University town of Cambridge. Cambridge has forever promoted and celebrated the kind of individual obessed with the pursuit of knowledge, engineering prowess and creativity needed to create amazing HiFi. Brands like Arcam (or Audio & Research Cambridge), Cambridge Audio, Mission Electronics and Quad were all born and produced in this corner of the English countryside.

And like those brands the goal of Cyrus is to produce the best sounding electronics possible. They're able to draw on the rich knowledge and innovation that spews out of a town like Cambridge.

The Cyrus Pre XR is on demonstration now at Carlton Audio Visual.

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Michi is a flagship series of products built on the history and heritage of Rotel. Michi represents over 55 years of experience coupled with the passion of a family business and ever-growing family of satisfied product owners. Acoustic Elevation. Sonic Evolution. Visual Perfection. Michi, because our reputation is personal.

The Michi P5 S2 Pre Amplifier delivers the ultimate culmination of audio performance with a full complement of source inputs. The meticulous circuit design, critical component selection and over 3 years in the making ensures the P5 S2 meets the highest of standards allowing this preamplifier to proudly wear the Michi logo.

The new version of this preamplifier boasts new DACs. The AKMs have been replaced by ESS Sabre DACs.

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The new ROMA117DC tube line preamplier with its great tonal balance and refined reproduction is the perfect combination with the ROMA98DC mono power amps. The ROMA117DC matches the simple and elegant design of the rest of the ROMA Series. A product of great musicality for the most demanding music lovers.

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We already love the Naim Uniti Atom as a 2 chanel stereo amplifier come streamer so it's no surprise that a headphone version of that is going to be very popular and attract some rave reviews. An attactive all-in-one box capable of impressing serious Head-Fi enthusiasts. 

This unit will happily do the heavy lifting on some of the harder to drive highend Headphones to make them come alive like never before. And there's no need to start a whole new HiFi rack to accomodate a headphone amp, source and cables. One box to sit on a desk, perhaps, and you're good to go.

Naim products bought from us, a genuine approved Naim dealer, include the full 2 year warranty.

Read What HiFi's impressive review on this unit here

And Headfonia's review here

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The Bryston BP26 preamplifier offers a significant step forward in capturing the subtleties, nuances, and emotions of recorded music. All aspects of the signal flow are enhanced with lower noise and distortion figures, and higher load levels, offering a rich and vibrant audio experience.

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The Elektra Pnyx Preamplifier is the product of extensive research and verification through rigorous listening tests. Perfect match for any solid state power amplifier's. Wonderful musical sound. Optional MM/MC phono board $999 Control Functions: Volume, Input Select, Power On/off, Processor Bypass Outputs Impedance 300 ohm Balanced , 150 ohm unbalanced RCA (2) Output 1,Ouput 2 Balanced (2), Bal Out 1 , Balanced Out 2 Input impedance: Unbalanced 47k ohms, Balanced 100k Inputs: (7) Balanced inputs: Balanced in, Line1, Line2, RCA inputs: Processor Bypass, CD, Tuner, Phono Stage (upgradable), Theatre Bypass * Power Supplies: Dual mono regulated High Voltage supplies. Noise performance is -100dBV. Tube Complement: Four 6922 dual Triodes. Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB, 0.5Hz to 300kHz. (Overrated 70 Watt Power custom made transformer) 12V Trigger MM/MC board optional Learn More

PS Audio has a new Entry level range! YAY. This little beauty is modelled after the DirectStream DAC but not with the $9000 price tag. It’s got a fully balanced circuitry from input to output and a great analogue preamplifier stage. Learn More

A dedicated Pre-amplifier for those who are serious about HiFi. The sensitive circuitry of pre-amplifiers are always susceptible to the interference that can arise with large power supplies. Once you reach a certain point in power supplies it's always a good idea to separate out your pre-amplifier into a completely different chassis. 

Pair this beauty with a Musical Fidelity M6PRX and you'll have yourself a muscular system that's rich and warm and supremely capable.

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