PRELUDE
Hybrid Tube Preamplifier with the Western Electric 396a Tube
Debut 2016
The Prelude, driving the new 2020 F-300B Classic Mono Blocks.
FRESH REVIEW on the Base PRELUDE , June 2022
Click LOGO for FULL REVIEW.
Based on a single 396a tube (also equivalent types such as 5670 and 2C51)
4X of Gain (we prefer lower gain to higher distortion), 2V Output at Nominal, 0.1% THD-X.
Phono input impedance : 47K
Perfect for triode, tube and other low-powered amplifiers paired with high-efficiency speaker systems — you’ll get play back of top organic-analog quality.
Less gain means less parts/less tubes and therefore LESS phase shift and signal changes!
Tube regulated, by the powerful 12BH7 / ECC99 (or the 12AU7 — though the more powerful 12BH7 will last longer in this position)
Tube rectified, by a 6Z4 rectifier tube, which is a 7 pin miniature tube that is affordable and reliable
The power supply uses AC coupling (and is quiet enough to score a better than 90 db S/N Ratio, which was tested with an older Western Electric 396a). We made this choice because to us, AC coupling offers a superior musicality to the DC coupling, which is admittedly quieter in absolute terms. An input filtering choke is in place, which is why even when we heat it with AC, the PRELUDE remains quiet.
In addition to the solid power supply design, our quality Hammond Canadian-made power transformer is made and tested to the highest electrical safety standards. High-quality parts throughout, including CMC USA Gold Plate RCAs (3 Pairs of Inputs and a single pair of outputs), Mundorf coupling caps, Alps Japan Blue Volt Pot, Premium Selector, high grade 1% Japanese resistors and E-caps and solid signal path wires…etc.
A pair of high-quality transistors (which is why we call it a hybrid pre-amplifier) are used for impedance conversion. When combined together with the goodness of tubes at the voltage amplifying stage these allow the amp to drive all kinds of power amplifiers — including high power tube amps, solid state amps, or even sub-woofer amps!
The combination of the two kinds of technology - the performance/specifications/measurements of solid state, and the charm/sound/bliss of the tubes makes the PRELUDE a true high-end pre-amplifier, regardless of price. Our dealers love this preamp, as it has the ability to turn an average quality system into one with a true audiophile sound.
Looks too simple? “Simple” is perhaps the hardest to perfect. We favour a “clean desk policy” in our design, unlike some others might make it look busy to impressive…
Pricing : Regardless of price, the quality and sound reproduction satisfactions will be something in its own league! This design will be a success for decades ; like the Lp12!
Tubes being supplied are NOS USA 5670, NOS Sino 6Z4, and JJ or EH 12BH7 or ECC99
NEW Starting 2018 +
Since the PRELUDE’s debut, we have spent thousands of hours listening, experimenting and comparing results.
The result ? We’re proud to announce some improvements and additions to the Prelude that we think bring it to an even higher level ..
1. Mundorf EVO SILVER GOLD OIL Coupling Caps will be used on every new PRELUDE built. We heard them, and tested them. They sounded very good.
2. We will also be adding a PHONO STAGE from our Triode Lab “Au Pre” as a standard feature. This high-end solid state phono stage will give you rich and quiet vinyl playback, be it from an Moving Magnet or high output Moving Coil cartridge. We’re also upgrading power supply and grounding network designs, as the phono stage requires a higher level of quality power supplies and regulations for the most quietest possible operations. Phono Gain : 35.6 db / 60x, conservatively rated. Reference : Any cartridge north of 2 mV will play fine. Including HI-OPT MC such as Shure V15
3. Optional transformer shield
MSRP $3,500 USD, well equipped.
Finish : Finale's Tuxedo Black Faceplate / Base of the chassis is finished in copper metallic , starting 2020.
Options : Dual Outputs $150/Power Transformer Shield $100/Free acrylic face-plate delete (For those who wants a non glossy finish to show, or free of finrgerprints), Free pilot light delete, Free phono stage delete.
Standard parts and bits : CMC Gold RCAs, 1877 Phono Gold Ground Post, Alps Blue Vol Pot, Lorlin UK Selector Switch, Furutech Gold IEC, Canadian made power transformer with world voltage, and Canadian made choke transformer ... etc. 2017+ NEW : Triode Lab Stainless Steel Knobs (Hand made / polished in Canada - MSRP $80 CAD each)
Dimension : 11” W x 13” D X 4.5” H (Not including knobs / connectors/Footers).
Surrounded by the big amps.
PRELUDE FFX
2019+
The PRELUDE is still our biggest selling pre-amplifier. With its phono stage sourced from our high-end Triode Lab brand, you are getting one of the best phono foundations on the market — and remember, if you don’t have a good phono-stage, you are not getting the best sound even having the best MC Carts, SUTs and Turntables!
Its hybrid tube-transistor design gives the PRELUDE the ability to drive a range of triode amps — from triode to high-powered solid state. And the sweetness of the WE396a tube is simply addictive and euphonic. With all this going for it, it’s hard not to be everyone’s favourite.
And now .. just to pile on some additional goodness,… allow us to introduce the souped-up, top-tier spec PRELUDE FFX. The FFX treatments result in even further reduced signal loss and sonic change, resulting in a phono stage that is one of the quietest we have ever come across.
FFX upgrades include:
Mundorf Germany EVO Silver Gold, to now, SUPREME EVO SILVER GOLD
Lorlin UK Selector Switch, to now, ELMA Selector of Swiss
Hammonds Power Transformer, to now, HASHIMOTO (Sansui) - it measure even more quiet and better S/N ratio
6Z4 Rectifier Tube, to now, 5AR4 (Substitutes / Sound Tuning : NOS 5W4 , 5Z4 , 5T4 , 5V4 , 5Y3)
FFX Treatments (From beefier power supply and further advanced grounding approach, to better channeling and shortest signal path for fewest loss and sound change). Thanks to the FFX Treatments and Hashimoto Transformer. The phono stage on the PRELUDE FFX is one of the quietest we come across. FFX Treatments also mean highest grade resistors and caps.
Alps Blue volume control or optional TKD audiophile volume (as shown)
MSRP $5,500 USD
Starting 2020, All PRELUDE chassis will be finished in metallic copper. Top cover remains in electronic’s textured black to match the acrylic face-plate.
CLEAR PACKAGE :
Clear acrylic top cover - want to look at the inside and see the tubes lit up?
This is pretty clear - photos were taken with a cell phone only.
A clear face-plate can also be added , to show case the copper-tone color.
All these options is FREE =)
