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Preamplifiers — Emm Labs EMM Labs PRE Stereo
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Emm Labs EMM Labs PRE Stereo
Image source — © Emm Labs
EMM Labs designs and builds the PRE, a two-channel line-level preamplifier, in Canada. Its case matches the dimensions of the company's DV2i converter and is priced at USD 25,000 in the USA. The circuit is analogue throughout, while switching and volume setting are managed under software control.
Key specs that matter
There are six stereo analogue inputs, three balanced on XLR and three single-ended on RCA, plus three outputs, two balanced and one single-ended. Input impedance is 40 kohm on XLR and 20 kohm on RCA, while the outputs present 150 ohm on XLR and 75 ohm on RCA. The maker states noise sits more than 100 dB below signal at 4 V rms output, unweighted over an 80 kHz bandwidth, and total harmonic distortion below 0.004%. Frequency range extends from 0 Hz to 200 kHz, gain can be adjusted over more than 74 dB, and the maximum input level is +18 dBu, equal to 6.2 V rms.
Engineering and use context
EMM Labs keeps the signal path fully discrete and dual-balanced, operating in Class A, and input selection uses contactless switching rather than conventional relays. Level is adjusted by a precision analogue attenuator governed by software, so level changes happen in the analogue domain. The boards are custom composite laminate of aerospace grade. Each input can store three user-programmable volume presets, which helps when sources with different output levels are mixed. An RS-232 connection is fitted on the rear panel. Power draw is at most 40 W, and the enclosure is 438 mm wide, 400 mm deep and 161 mm high. The unit weighs 17.2 kg, and it is available in a silver or black finish.
Pairing
Having two balanced outputs, the PRE can feed a pair of monoblock power amplifiers or a stereo amplifier plus a powered subwoofer, and the low balanced output impedance allows long cable runs between the preamplifier and amplifiers placed near the speakers. The +18 dBu input ceiling leaves headroom for sources whose balanced outputs run at 4 V or higher, so hot digital converters can be connected without clipping the input stage. Presets per input also let owners match the playback level of a turntable stage and a streamer and avoid an abrupt level change when changing source. A converter with a fixed line output, such as the EMM Labs DA2i, fits well into one of the balanced inputs.
Alternatives
The EMM Labs PREi is a later stereo preamplifier from the same company.
Key specs that matter
There are six stereo analogue inputs, three balanced on XLR and three single-ended on RCA, plus three outputs, two balanced and one single-ended. Input impedance is 40 kohm on XLR and 20 kohm on RCA, while the outputs present 150 ohm on XLR and 75 ohm on RCA. The maker states noise sits more than 100 dB below signal at 4 V rms output, unweighted over an 80 kHz bandwidth, and total harmonic distortion below 0.004%. Frequency range extends from 0 Hz to 200 kHz, gain can be adjusted over more than 74 dB, and the maximum input level is +18 dBu, equal to 6.2 V rms.
Engineering and use context
EMM Labs keeps the signal path fully discrete and dual-balanced, operating in Class A, and input selection uses contactless switching rather than conventional relays. Level is adjusted by a precision analogue attenuator governed by software, so level changes happen in the analogue domain. The boards are custom composite laminate of aerospace grade. Each input can store three user-programmable volume presets, which helps when sources with different output levels are mixed. An RS-232 connection is fitted on the rear panel. Power draw is at most 40 W, and the enclosure is 438 mm wide, 400 mm deep and 161 mm high. The unit weighs 17.2 kg, and it is available in a silver or black finish.
Pairing
Having two balanced outputs, the PRE can feed a pair of monoblock power amplifiers or a stereo amplifier plus a powered subwoofer, and the low balanced output impedance allows long cable runs between the preamplifier and amplifiers placed near the speakers. The +18 dBu input ceiling leaves headroom for sources whose balanced outputs run at 4 V or higher, so hot digital converters can be connected without clipping the input stage. Presets per input also let owners match the playback level of a turntable stage and a streamer and avoid an abrupt level change when changing source. A converter with a fixed line output, such as the EMM Labs DA2i, fits well into one of the balanced inputs.
Alternatives
The EMM Labs PREi is a later stereo preamplifier from the same company.
Specifications
Model name
EMM Labs PRE Stereo
Analog inputs (balanced)
3
Analog inputs (single-ended)
3
Analog outputs (balanced)
2
Analog outputs (single-ended)
1
Gain (dBu)
74
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
40 000
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
20 000
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
150
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
75
Maximum output level (balanced) (dBu)
N/A
Maximum output level (single-ended) (dBu)
N/A
Volume control range (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR, unweighted) (dB)
100
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
0,004
Dimensions (mm)
438 x 400 x 161
Weight (kg)
16
Official link
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