Stereophile has again posted a link to J. Gordon Holt’s comprehensive audio glossary containing over 300 terms used by audio reviewers (and audiophiles) to...
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Preamplifiers
Audiolab 8200CDQ CD Player, DAC and Preamplifier
Richard Black has posted a review of the Audiolab 8200CDQ CD player, DAC and preamplifier (£950) at Hi-Fi Choice. His conclusions: “As for analogue and digital modes for the preamp, I agree with Audiolab’s comment that the former can seem a little warmer – but there’s really very, very little in it. What’s for...
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VTL TL-5.5 Series II Signature Preamplifier
Robert J. Reina has posted a review of the VTL TL-5.5 Series II Signature pramplifier ($7000) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “VTL Amplifiers has produced a winner. The TL-5.5 Series II Signature has a detailed, liquid, uncolored sound, a wide dynamic range that mirrors that of live music, rugged construction, and a long list of...
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Hegel Music Systems P20 Preamplifier
Erich Wetzel has posted a review of the Hegel Music Systems P20 preamplifier ($2900) at SoundStage! Hi-Fi. His conclusions: “The Hegel P20 was neutral in its sound. It allowed for beautifully clear separation of sounds, voices, and instruments; and the vivid depth of its bass was a revelation. This preamplifier allowed singers and instruments...
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Burmester 077 Preamplifier, 911 MK3 Amplifier and 100 Phono Stage
Richard H. Mak has posted a review of the Burmester 077 preamplifier ($41,995), 911 MK3 amplifier ($31,495) and 100 phono stage ($23,995) at Dagogo. His conclusions: “If you are looking for a soft, warm and tubby ride like a 67 Cadallic wallowing on its waterbed-like suspensions along the San Diego sea coast, then look...
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SOtM sDP-1000 DAC and Preamplifier
Srajan Ebaen has posted a review of the SOtM sDP-1000 DAC and preamplifier ($2900) at 6moons. His conclusions: “Sonically the DC-coupled sDP-1000 performs on the same level as the Metrum Hex and AURALiC Vega. Not as dry as the Hex, not as glossy or wet as the Vega, it sets up camp between them....
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Krell Phantom II Preamplifier and Evolution 402e Power Amplifier
Alan Sircom has posted a review of the Krell Phantom II preamplifier (£11,998) and Evolution 402e power amplifier (£18,500) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “Fifty issues ago, RG was distinctly cool on the original 402 and its 202 preamp partner. Whether it’s another set of ears, the changes to the Krell amps or just the...
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Abacus Prepino Preamplifier and Ampino Power Amplifier
Martin Mertens has posted a review of the Abacus Prepino preamplifier (€590) and Ampino power amplifier (€590) at 6moons. His conclusions: “For pre/power combos, the Abacus Prepino/Ampino seems to be one of the most cost effective presently available. Laboratory measurement kit optics are quite explicit about sonic expectations which the proprietary Abacus-Rieder circuits deliver....
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Peachtree Audio novaPre Preamplifier and DAC
Tom Lyle has posted a review of the Peachtree Audio novaPre preamplifier and DAC ($999) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “We’ve (that is, audiophiles) have come to the point in time when more and more preamplifiers are going to include a DAC within their inner workings, and more and more audiophiles are going...
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AVM Evolution PA 3.2 Preamplifier, CD 3.2 Digital Player and MA 3.2S Monoblocks
Brett Rudolph has posted a review of the AVM Evolution PA 3.2 preamplifier ($3230), CD 3.2 digital player ($3950) and MA 3.2S monoblock amplifiers ($5860/pair) at Enjoy the Music. His conclusions: “The AVM system represents one of the most amazing systems to have passed my walls in a very long time. The system’s ability...
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Bryston BP17 Stereo Preamplifier
John E. Johnson, Jr. has posted a review of the Bryston BP17 Stereo preamplifier ($3500) at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. His conclusions: “The BP17 represents a good middle ground product in Bryston’s preamplifier line-up. It has low distortion, plenty of output capability even into low impedance loads, and several optional features...
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Avantgarde XA Pre Preamplifier and XA Power Stereo Amplifier
Roy Gregory has posted a review of the Avantgarde XA Pre preamplifier (€9400) and XA Power stereo amplifier (€8800) at The Audio Beat. His conclusions: “Avantgarde’s electronics might have been inspired by the company’s own eclectic speaker designs; they might have adopted what are unusual or unfamiliar approaches to the problems of amplifying an...
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Constellation Virgo Preamplifier and Centaur Power Amplifier
Ken Kessler has posted a review of the Constellation Virgo preamplifier ($24,000) and Centaur monoblack power amplifiers ($56,000/pair) at Hi-Fi News and Record Review. His conclusions: “Though I no longer lust after the unobtainable, were I to suddenly find, as Tevye desired, a small fortune, and I had a craving for something solid-state, I’d...
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Audiomatus TP-01 Preamplifier
Marek Dyba has posted a review of the Audiomatus TP-01 integrated amplifier (~€1200) at High Fidelity. His conclusions: “To be honest, if I were to decide today on a preamp to the ModWright KWA100SE, I would have a very hard nut to crack. The LS100 from the same manufacturer is, to be sure, objectively...
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Conrad Johnson GAT Triode Preamplifier
Alan Sircom has posted a review of the Conrad Johnson GAT triode preamplifier (£19,000) at Hi-Fi+. His conclusions: “That’s not really the true ‘finally’ part. These were just the observations made by someone who’s seemingly most aware of dynamics, coherence, articulation and imaging. If I’d been wearing my ‘detail’ hat or my ‘rhythm’ trousers,...
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Emotiva XSP-1 Balanced Stereo Preamplifier
John E. Johnson, Jr. has posted a review of the Emotiva XSP-1 balanced stereo preamplifier ($899) at Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. His conclusions: “Well, what can I say here, but WOW! For $899, you get one heck of a preamplifier. If it were $3,899, I would still say, “WOW”, but I...
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Music First Audio Baby Reference Passive Preamplifier
Sam Tellig has posted a review of the Music First Audio Baby Reference passive preamplifier (£5000) at Stereophile. His conclusions: “Like a great active preamp, the Baby Reference made its presence felt. It was unmistakably there. Smooth, sweet, extended—pick your superlatives. Brass had real bite. Transients were rendered with extraordinary speed and crystalline clarity....
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Townshend Allegri Preamplifier
Maarten van Casteren has posted a review of the Townshend Allegri preamplifier (£2000) at TNT Audio. His conclusions: “A fine preamp, there’s no arguing with that. Sonically it is absolutely top notch, even beating my lovely Django, although not by much. The sound is refined and natural, with very strong bass and incredible transparency....
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Tortuga Audio LDR6 Passive Preamplifier
Glen Wagenknecht has posted a review of the Tortuga Audio LDR6 passive preamplifier ($1475) at 6moons. His conclusions: “Has Mr. Sissener created a sonic giant beneath a demure little exterior? I’d say so. The realization of no mechanical contact on either volume pot or input selector appears to succeed at contributing less and revealing...
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Alpha Design Labs by Furutech Esprit USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Preamplifier
Vince Hanada has posted a review of the Alpha Design Labs by Furutech Esprit USB DAC/headphone amplifier/preamplifier ($899) at GoodSound! His conclusions: “The only real letdown is that the ADL lacks a remote control. But this shouldn’t bother younger folks, and it wouldn’t be a concern with a desktop system. The ADL by Furutech...
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Lamm L2 Preamplifier
David Robinson has posted a review of the Lamm L2 Preamplifier ($15,790) at Positive Feedback. His conclusions: “My final thoughts on the L2 are that Lamm has produced a very fine preamp, one with tons of musical richness that doesn’t sacrifice detail or quickness to achieve its harmonically rich presentation of even the highest-resolution...
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