New Toy: Audio Zone Pre-T1 Preamp

[jrhymeammo]

Audio Zone Pre-T1 Preamp.



This passive preamp is based on TX102 transformers.
A brief comparison to the Sonic Euphoria PLC

1. High freq - Pre-T1 sparkles with less grain.

2. Mid freq - PLC has a bit more body, but Pre-T1 is more transparent with better balance.

3. Low freq - PLC has more emphasis on bass but a bit bloated at times.

4. Volume Control - PLC has finer volume settings, but the Pre-T1 has +6dB switch.

5. Connectibility - PLC has 4(inputs)/2(outputs) pairs with Tape Out. Pre-T1 is
factory set to 3/1 or 2/2 option.
My unit came with 2/2, but I have the Burson AB160, so that makes it 3/2.
The Manley Skipjack or other switchers may be required for some. PLC came with 1 pair of WTB RCA for both In/Output. Pre-T1 is equipped with regular generic RCA connectors.
The WTB connectors sound cool, but I think the cost difference should be allocated to other part of audio where it actually makes obvious difference. But the WBT connectors seem to make better physical connection to all interconnects.

6. Ground - Pre-T1 has Ground Float with a switch, PLC comes with a ground wire.
Pre-T1's ground float works, while PLC didn't make a difference in MY environment, but was never an issue. Pre-T1's ground float is only noticable when turned all the way up so it should not be beneficial during normal playback.

7. Design Base - PLC is Autoformer wound and entirely wired with Cardas. Pre-T1 is S&B TX102 ver.1 transformers based.

8 Problem - I now have 3 preamps, and have to decide which one to sell...

Have Fun,
JRA

[JohnMichael]

He who dies with the most toys wins.

[JohnMichael]

Oh and by the way it is purty.

[jrhymeammo]

He who dies with the most toys wins.

Tru.
My friends always ask me why I keep all of my albums when I can only listen to 1 album at a time... But I think dakatabg will always win. That man is insane

Have Fun,
JRA

[frenchmon]

.... But I think dakatabg will always win. That man is insane

Have Fun,
JRA

You got that right...I sent dakatabg a PM asking to buy one of his vintage Marantz receivers and from his reply I think I insulted him or he thought I was insane. He kindly let me know he never does anything as such.