Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Compactron Preamplifier

Hi!

Another Compactron unit just got finished, the last one for this year, a new preamplifier.





A full function preamplifier with phono stage. It is available as MM and also for MC cartridges. Also multiple selectable MM and/or MC inputs are possible. This first build has minimal functions with just a single MC input, one balanced (XLR) input and two single ended (RCA) inputs.





 

This is a somewhat simpler version of the first Compactron preamplifier using different tubes and offering less flexibility in terms of gain. While the first Comnpactron preamplifier has the phono gain adjustable in 4 steps this one has a fixed gain in the MM section. But different built in MC step up transformers can be chosen.





The line stage is transformer coupled and uses transformer volume control. Both XLR and RCA outputs are available. The line section has a gain of about 14dB, the MM section 43, for a total MM gain of 57dB. Different MC step up transformers can be built in to offer these additional gains: 18, 22, 24, 28 or 30db.





While this preamp does not have any features besides input selection and volume control, it can be specified with various additional functions: Phase switch, Mono switch, variable EQ for historic records, and more.







Stay tuned for more Compactron gear coming up.

Best regards

Thomas




1 comment: