EMM Labs PRE

PRE Stereo Preamplifier Ed Meitner recognizes that the analog preamplifier is at the heart of every music system and warrants the utmost care and precision. This recognition motivates him to consistently push the boundaries of performance in his designs. Starting with the Meitner PA6i and progressing to the multi-award winning EMM Labs PRE2, he has never failed to push the state-of-the-art in the industry. Ed Meitner’s latest design, the reference PRE, embodies this drive for perfection and culminates in his most significant statement in the preamplifier category to date. Stunning transparency is achieved via fully discrete dual-balanced signal paths, sophisticated contactless switching solutions and precision software-driven analog volume control. Using custom, aerospace-grade, composite laminate circuit boards in the PRE provides several advantages over conventional boards: Microscopically smooth copper traces resulting in a reduction in skin effect issues Superior strength and vibration resistance Lower dielectric losses and superior heat conduction ensuring uniform temperature distribution, increasing stability and longevity With six sets of stereo analog inputs and three sets of stereo analog outputs, the PRE allows the option of bi-amplification and tri-amplification setups. Three sets of user programmable volume presets per input allows the user to easily recall their favourite volume settings for different types of music. Result… the most sophisticated and musically accurate preamplifier from EMM Labs. Capable of controlling everything, except your enthusiasm.       Key Features Six Stereo Analog Inputs: Three Balanced (XLR), Three Single-ended (RCA) Three Stereo Analog Outputs: Two Balanced (XLR), One Single-ended (RCA) Fully discrete dual-balanced signal paths Class A circuitry to drive loads without degradation Precision software-based analog volume control Aerospace-grade composite laminate circuit boards Machined aluminum infrared remote control Large display with customizable brightness & contrast New intuitive control system featuring programmable input settings & three sets of volume preset per input System USB port for future software updates RS232 port for wired remote & multi-system control CE compliant     REVIEW & AWARDS EMM Labs PRE stereo preamplifier Review - Read More "Both the EMM and the AN give me a lot of the “magic” that feels like such a miracle— that makes for the best audio, which is as much art as it is science. I believe that, for classical music, I simply get a bit more excited by the magic with the AN on orchestral music. On the other hand, on some jazz and popular music (particularly more recent releases that came from music recorded in the digital domain), I preferred the EMM Labs PRE. That is simply my ears. With respect to much of the other music I have listened to on both units, it would be really difficult to say that I have a preference.As far as my experience goes, they are both as good as it gets. Which direction one goes is both a question of preference and, in this instance, pocketbook (the Audio Note being many multiples of the price of the EMM). My own solution to the dilemma will probably be to keep both. " - Fred Crowder   EMM Labs PRE/MTRS - Read More "Is a stereo power amplifier from EMM Labs a concession to its marketing department? That doesn’t really matter, as the MTRS more than lives up to designer Ed Meitner’s reputation for exacting engineering and pure, unblemished sonics. Partnered with the PRE, the result is a musical triumph of transparency, nuance and dynamics. You can spend less on ‘more’, but never pass up the chance of an audition. " - Mark Craven   EMM Labs DA2 Reference DAC and PRE Stereo Preamplifier Review - Read More "Ed Meitner and Emm Labs are legendary in both professional and consumer high end audio. One doesn't become legendary without providing legendary products and experiences to customers for decades. That's what EMM Labs has done and continues to do with its flagship DA2 and PRE. The world's first 16xDSD signal processing along with a handful of other propriety features and legendary sound quality put the DA2 DAC on the top of the EMM Labs mountain and in a class with only a couple components in all of HiFi. Sonically the DA2 has a transparency and a soundstage that delivers on the promise of high end audio. Reproducing music with all its warts when warts are present and in all its glory for those rare recordings that really shine. The DA2 and PRE are in rarefied air no doubt at $25,000 a piece, but the best of anything is never inexpensive.  "      SPECIFICATIONS Power Supply Proprietary High-isolation resonant mode power supply for silent, & eco-friendly operation Factory set to 100V or 115V or 230V, 50/60Hz Power consumption: max. 40W S/N ratio Better than 100 dB at 4V RMS output (unweighted, 80kHz bandwidth) THD less than 0.004% Frequency range 0Hz-200kHz Gain control range Better than 74dB Maximum input level +18 dBu (6.2V RMS) Input impedance Balanced XLR – 40kΩ, Single-Ended RCA – 20kΩ Output impedance Balanced XLR – 150Ω, Single-Ended RCA – 75Ω System gain +6dB Finish Fine bead blasted silver or black, with black insert and buttons. Premium plated inserts and buttons, as shown, available on special order Dimensions (WxDxH) 438 x 400 x 161mm Weight 16kg