Primare Pre30 / A30.2
Led by the years of experience in the design of class leading pre-amplifiers
with Pass Labs, Threshold and others, Michael Bladelius took the lead
in creating a pre-amplifier that exemplifies the Primare's fundamental
design goals of coherence, balance, and proportion. Combined with a D30.2
as source and A30.2 for power, a PRE30 based system creates a thoroughly
convincing and compelling musical event. The completely discrete signal
path is fully balanced from input to output, ensuring perfect control
over any signal passing through the PRE30. The elegantly simple control
layout, allied with the flexibility of the substantial C22 remote control
and the processor pass-through feature, means that, regardless of the
sophistication of the system, with a PRE30 control is exercised with
effortless ease.
The PRE30 employs a Class A coupled, discrete fully balanced circuit
topology utilized for the best possible signal-to-noise ratio and audio
fidelity. J-FET devices, coupled in a fold back cascade, feature prominently
in the input stage providing lighting fast transient response with ample
high-frequency "air" and "openness". DC servos
are avoided in all critical low-level amplifier stages in favor of thermally
compensated current loading and MOS-FET devices ensures ultra wide-bandwidth
audio performance.
A massive, custom-made Toroidal transformer using double regulators
is employed in the PRE30's massive power supply. Combined with a sophisticated
multi-stage regulator network that makes sure all amplifier stages receive
highly regulated current for the best possible dynamic range and headroom.
Even the best sounding "shunt to ground" type volume control
is used further illustrating the uncompromising attention to engineering
detail so evident throughout the PRE30.
Designed for exceptional ease-of-use and set-up, the PRE30 features
several unique features. Each of the seven inputs (two balanced, five
single-ended) is individually assignable and adjustable for sensitivity
(gain). A throughput input allows the PRE30 to be used in conjunction
with a surround sound processor in a combined use home theater / stereo
music system. For convenience, a remote link performs the on/off function
of a connected Primare power amplifier.
Specifications
| PRE30 Stereo Preamplifier |
|
| |
|
| Analog Inputs |
1pr XLR (L & R), |
| |
5pr RCA (L & R) |
| Analog Outputs |
1pr XLR (L & R), |
| |
1pr RCA (L & R) |
| Analog Record Output |
1pr RCA (L & R) |
| Balanced (XLR) Input |
560 mV |
| Unbalanced (RCA) Inputs |
280 mV |
| Sensitivity Adjustment |
+20 dB |
| Tape Output |
280 mV |
| Gain |
16 dB |
| Frequency Response |
DC to 100kHz + 0.1 dB |
| T.H.D. |
<0.01% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
-118 dB |
| Output Impedance |
0.06 Ω |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) |
17 x 16.5 x 4 inches |
| |
430 x 410 x 100 mm |
| Weight |
21 lbs,10 kg |
| A properly designed amplifier for use in a stereo music
system must each channel identically for proper sound staging and
image localization. After exhaustive listening sessions, Primare
engineers determined the best way maximize the stereo sound field
is to maintain a fully balanced low-level circuitry from input to
output and employ dual-mono design globally. Each amplification channel
of the A30.2 is completely independent using its own Toridial transformer,
low-noise regulated power supply and four ultra-fast, bi-polar, output
devices in a push-pull configuration for the fastest transient response
and musical fidelity. Additionally, the A30.2 can be bridged into
mono without sonic compromise. |
| A30.2 2-Channel Power Amplifier |
|
| |
|
| Output Power |
2 x 120 W/8 Ω |
| |
2 x 200 W/4 Ω |
| |
1 x 380 W/8 Ω |
| Inputs |
1pr XLR (L&R) |
| |
1pr RCA (L&R) |
| Frequency Response |
<10 Hz-100 kHz -3 dB |
| T.H.D. |
<0.08% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio |
-100 dB |
| Input Impedance |
10 kΩ |
| Output Impedance |
0.03 Ω |
| Power Consumption |
<3,5W, Standby |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) |
17 x 15.5 x 4 inches |
| |
430 x 385 x 100 mm |
| Weight |
35 lbs,16 kg |
Finish |
Black or Titanium |
MANLEY
Steelhead Incredible! by
Wayne Garcia of The Absolute Sound #151 1/2005
Best he's ever heard! from
Ken Kessler of HIFI News 5/2004
Rave! Manley
STEELHEAD Scot Markwell TAS/AV Guide 1/2002
"This is the finest phono amplifier we have ever heard!"
Rave! Manley
STEELHEAD Michael Fremer Stereophile 12/2001
"The Steelhead is the most flexible, user-friendly phono
section I've ever encountered."
"Overall, the Steelhead delivered the best vinyl playback
I've heard from my system. It combined speed, frequency extension,
resolution, harmonic structure, focus, air, stage depth, image
specificity, and, most important, overall musical coherence in
a way that made the music seem to fly from the speakers unrestrained
by mechanical or electrical bounds." Vol. 12 No. 24 |
Ayre Acoustics P5-xeRecommended
Components 2004 -- Stereophile
"...the P-5x lets you forget it's even
there--about as high a compliment as can be paid a
piece of audio gear in the service of music."
The Ayre P-5x phono
preamplifier uncovers the astounding musicality in your favorite
records. Music flows from a pure black background, thanks to
ultra-low noise FET circuitry in a zero-feedback configuration.
Fully adjustable gain and loading options. |
Unison
Simply PhonoValve phono stages are rare. Affordable models
that sound good are even rarer. The Simply Phono is an excellent
performer with an affordable price tag is vinyl is your passion.
It’s a perfect compliment to all Unison line level amplifiers
and works superbly with any quality hi-fi set-up. It caters for
both MM and mid-high level MC cartridges and features switchable
impedance for optimum load matching. An optional separate power
supply is available for a small extra cost. |
Pathos InTheGroove
MK IIInTheGroove MKII is a high performance passive phono
preamplifier designed for both MC and MM phono cartridges.The
very refined sound follows the Pathos tradition of great soundstage,
high realism, transparency, dynamics and musicality. |
Audio
Analogue Aria"The Audio Analogue
Aria is another brilliant example how sophisticated
engineering (cf. off-line PSU) and choices made "by ear" can
successfully live together and cooperate. The Aria proves,
once again, that a properly installed vinyl playback system
is still very hard to beat.
" - TNT Audio
"Most striking about its sound was the depth and power
of the bass - it really is in another league from the Pro-ject
Phono Box SE or Musical Fidelity X-LPSv3 - if not the Trichord
Dino. It was the sheer depth of sound that impressed. Vocals
were extremely well projected, and there was excellent staging
and separation of various musicians"- Dominic Todd HiFi
World |
Primare R20Some
recordings you simply cannot live without. More often than not,
these treasured performances are stored on vinyl only, so you need
a high-quality turntable, tone arm and pick-up cartridge to enjoy
them. But the interface between the turntable and a modern sound
system is as critical to the end result as the choice of any other
component. |
