Emm Labs PRE2
[I know this has been out a few months, obviously, but we haven’t posted the specs here yet. So here they are :-). Emm Labs has had the Switchman preamp for awhile, and the preamp inside the DCC2 DAC, which we use here all the time. Obviously, they are kicking it up a notch.]
[… and I quote…]
“The PRE2 embodies our recognition that the analog
preamp at the heart of every music system deserves the
very best treatment because it handles every sound your
system makes.
Built on the heritage of the famous PA6i Meitner preamp,
the PRE2 SE updates Ed Meitner’s classic to take a place
at the forefront of 21st century preamp performance.
Eminent recording and mastering engineer Tom Jung
explains: “Ed Meitner is the only guy on the planet who
has an equally good understanding of both digital and
analog circuitry.”
The PRE2 features six analog inputs, a recording loop,
infrared remote control and, most importantly, stunning
transparency. Due, in no small part, to the op-amp-free
dual-balanced audio path, the extraordinarily sophisticated
contactless switching system, and the (completely
proprietary) volume control system.
The PRE2 also extensively features our aerospace-grade
composite laminate circuit boards. These provide several
performance advantages over conventional boards:
- Copper traces are microscopically smooth on top and
bottom, making our boards sound more like discrete
OFC wiring. - Naturally damped sandwich construction offers
superior strength and vibration resistance. - Lower dielectric losses and superior heat conduction
ensure a more uniform temperature gradient across the
circuitry, increasing stability and longevity.
All of this makes the PRE2 the most sophisticated
solid-state analog preamp ever created. Use it in your
audio system and you’ll be able to control everything.
Except, of course, your enthusiasm.
KEY FEATURES:
- Two sets XLR balanced Inputs
- Four sets RCA un-balanced inputs
- One set RCA un-balanced Recording Loop
- Stereo XLR balanced output
- Stereo RCA un-balanced output
- 100% contactless dual-balanced discrete audio paths
- Proprietary software-based analog volume control
- Exclusive aerospace-grade composite laminate circuit
boards - Precision machined infrared remote control
- Large display with brightness control
- Newly designed intuitive control system featuring programmable input naming, settings recall and
many additional features. - RS232 serial port for wired remote control and
multi-system control. - Sculpted, brushed aluminum chassis available in
silver or black.
Power Supply:
- Proprietary High-isolation resonant mode power supply for silent, green operation
- Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: max. 40 W
Specications:
- S/N ratio: 110dB (A-weighted)
- THD: 1kHz <0.01%; 20kHz <0.01%
- Frequency range: 0Hz-100kHz
- Gain control range: Better than 62dB
- Maximum output level: +/- 11V p-p (+26 dBu)
- Maximum input level: +/- 7V p-p (+22 dBu)
- Input impedance: balanced XLR – 10k,
- un-balanced RCA – 20k
- Output impedance: balanced XLR – 300,
- un-balanced RCA – 150
- System gain: +6db
Dimensions W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm
Weight: 12kg
Hi Mike,
Have you and Neli gotten one yet to listen to? If you have, what do you think of Ed’s new Preamp?
Steve
Hi Steve,
No. We almost got one after RMAF, but not… Heard it a few times on systems that were so comprised [over-driven Sony speakers] that I learned nothing.
At CES next(!) month the Marten room will have the Emm Labs stack (XDS1 + PRE2) on Marten’s new solid-state amps on the new Coltrane 2 loudspeakers. Cables will no doubt be Jorma Design’s Prime. Not sure about equipment rackage, but we are hoping to get a good deal of insight here into what the [fatter 🙂 or is that phat? :-)] Coltrane 2 speakers and the PRE2 sound like.
We also have a great deal of confidence in this pre, based on past performance of their smaller pre, and that they tend to be very, very competitive vis-a-vis price/performance [actually, it is performance/price, right? Not sure why we all call it price/performance] vis-a-vis the competition. Also, they have been moving their sound in a direction that we think is a great direction to be moving in 🙂 [as opposed to some manufacturers who sometimes seem to be taking a random walk through the fidelity superspace]
So we are a little torn between doing our due diligence re listening to it here versus just going for it 🙂
Take care [and happy holidays, Steve!]
-Mike