Reference Pre II

Reference Pre II

Conception began with a solitary dream, higher fidelity. Unconstrained of finances or time, our objective a musical experience without equal. Development was arduous, but always exhilarating. Everything refined to perfection. Dreams became reality and for likeminded audiophiles, a new opportunity to be immersed and transported into musical ecstasy.

Key Features

  • Fully Balanced Design
  • Active Phono Stage
  • Four Cartridge Positions
  • ALPS RK50 Volume Control
  • Dual-Box Architecture

uncompromising

Our approach to design is as unconventional as it is uncompromising. Leaving entrenched wisdom behind we pursue the music, exploring undiscovered approaches. Uncharted, our journey of development, research and component evaluation establishes new pinnacles of sound quality. Only then do we use science to authenticate our innovations. 

Creative, nonconformist, unorthodox. Nevertheless, listen to it, let it draw you into a totally sensual musical world, for once you experience it, even if you believe you cannot acquire it, you will not live without it.

"If it measures good and sounds bad, -- it is bad. If it sounds good and measures bad, -- you've measured the wrong thing."
Daniel von Recklinghausen

Limitless Freedom

Limitless Freedom

Designing the ultimate first in whichever category we enter, with the view of cascading down the knowledge to more affordable versions, limitless freedom is granted to achieve our own benchmark.

A masterpiece of craftsmanship, distinctive brushed satin casework with exquisite chrome reflecting our attention for detail, encapsulating cutting-edge electronic technology, our Reference Pre-Amplifier offers an insightful sensory experience for discerning perfectionists.

Related Products

Specifications

PHONO INPUTS:

2x XLR    2x RCA

LINE INPUTS:

3x XLR    3x RCA

GAIN:

48dB – 60dB – 70dB

INPUT RESISTANCE:

100R – 300R - 500R – 1K – 5K – 10K – 47K

INPUT CAPACITANCE:

100pF – 200pF – 500pF

DISTORTION:

LESS THAN 0.001%

RIAA ACCURACY:

5HZ - 70KHZ ±0.5dB 

NOISE (A WEIGHTED):

MM –81dB    MC –67dB 

FREQUENCY RESPONSE:

5Hz—OVER 80KHz ± 1dB

PRE-AMPLIFIER OUTPUT:

2x XLR   2x RCA

LINE LEVEL OUTPUT:

1x XLR   1x RCA

POWER SUPPLY:

INDEPENDENT 1000VA TRANSFORMER
350,000UF CAPACITOR RESERVE

INPUT VOLTAGE:

115V OR 230V AC

DIMENSIONS:

500 X 410 X 190MM (WXDXH)

What's inside

Assuring the ultimate sound quality, a fully balanced topology from start to finish is employed and making sure the signal is not strangled at the last moment, everything you hear passes through the world’s best volume control, the infamous ALPS RK50, coming to this conclusion after evaluating a myriad of alternatives.

Breaking convention by using bespoke polypropylene capacitors in place of electrolytics, each one is encapsulated within a solid machined alloy housing to eliminate crosstalk and shunning anything digital which adds distortion means no remote controls and an automatic fully analogue mute system for quite control setting changes.

Dual box architecture screens the power supply in a separate enclosure, protecting critical signals from electromagnetic interference. Convenient controls on the front panel offer quick adjustability with the capability of four cartridges being connected simultaneously in addition to the six-line level inputs.  

A huge onboard capacitor reservoir in addition to the massive external power supply provides dual mono supplies to various parts of the circuit. Even the internal wiring looms platted in a specific way for improved sound quality. Every parameter has been researched, developed, and perfected regardless of expense.

Dual-box configuration power supplies are hardly new territory for AVID, using them to great effect within our turntables and phono stages for the optimum rejection of electromagnetic interference. Twin power outputs supply each channel of the Pre section independently for exceptionally wide separation.

Whilst the Pre-Amplifier draws very little current, we have used a colossal 1000VA mains transformer, because the sonic improvement was considerable and adding over 350,000uF capacitor power reservoir, half in the power supply, half in the Pre-Amplifier itself, also offered immense sound improvements.

Protecting and screening sensitive electronics, the mirror finished stainless steel cover is shrouded in exquisitely hand finished aluminium plate with our distinctive Reference level pattern. The impressive front panel switches complement our turntables and allow quick adjustments, even during use. Sorbothane feet keep harmful vibration away from sensitive components so you just hear pure sound with unrivalled clarity.