Posts with tag "Preamp"

Michi has expanded its Prestige series with two new components – the P430 preamplifier and the S430 stereo power amplifier. The new models sit one step below the flagship Reference range, which continues to be headed by the P5 and S5, while retaining Michi’s characteristic engineering approach, substantial construction and extensive integration options for modern audio systems.

Greek brand Ideon Audio presented its new IDEON Nous model at High End Vienna 2026. The device combines a network player, a digital-to-analog converter and a fully balanced analog preamplifier in a single chassis. The company emphasizes that Nous was created not simply as a convenient all-in-one component for connecting sources, but as a full-fledged audiophile device for a modern digital system. According to the manufacturer, the model was designed from the ground up as a unified audio platform, rather than as a computer-based solution with an audio section added later.

Italian company Gold Note has released the Gold Note DS-5.2 network player. The device combines the functions of a streamer, digital source and digital-to-analogue converter. The new model joins the compact Series 5.2 component range and, according to the manufacturer, uses a number of engineering solutions familiar from the higher-end DS-10 EVO.

Lotoo has introduced two new components for desktop audio systems: the Lotoo Gungnir DAC with headphone amplifier and the Lotoo LPX-01 external power supply, designed specifically to work with it, but not exclusively. The company will showcase both devices at High End 2026 Vienna in early June, as well as in the World of Headphones area in Vienna.

British company Exposure Electronics has introduced its flagship preamplifier, the Exposure 5510 Preamp. Designed for serious stereo audio systems, the model emphasizes engineering, ease of use, and thoughtful connectivity, rather than flashy interface solutions, touchscreens, or apps.

Japanese brand Air Tight has updated its current product lineup with the new ATC-6 tube preamplifier. The model succeeds the ATC-3 roughly twenty years after the latter’s release and is positioned as the most accessible preamplifier in the company’s catalogue.

Octave has announced the Jubilee Preamp SE, a new flagship preamplifier that succeeds the Jubilee model, which had been regarded as the pinnacle of the company’s range since 1998. The manufacturer emphasizes that the new model is not a cosmetic update, but a thoroughly reworked design in which the sonic section, technical architecture, feature set, and ease of operation have all been improved.

Our ranking of Ultra High-End audio equipment continues – next up is a look at the most expensive and impressive preamplifiers. The models below are mass-produced; the list does not include long-discontinued units or one-off components. And believe us, each of these preamps is capable of surprising even seasoned audiophiles with their sound quality.

Nagra has released a new preamplifier, the Nagra PREAMP II-S, based on a vacuum tube stage. This model features the Nagra Modulometer, similar the iconic Nagra IV-S reel-to-reel tape recorder. It allows visual control of left and right channel levels, while emphasizing Nagra's signature style.

Japanese brand Accuphase has introduced the Accuphase C-3900S preamplifier, further advancing the company’s proprietary AAVA technology in an even more refined form. Alongside uncompromising balanced circuitry, the main focus is on practical integration into complex High End systems. A wide range of connectors and extensive adjustment options underline the unit’s role as a central control hub for demanding stereo setups.

Renowned Canadian high-end audio manufacturer EMM Labs has introduced the EMM Labs PREi preamplifier, equipped exclusively with analogue inputs and outputs. The new model becomes the company’s latest flagship and is positioned as the most advanced preamplifier in the brand’s history.

Our new editorial ranking will help you navigate the preamplifier landscape. The most impressive models of 2025 are compiled in ascending order of price, so Hi-Fi and high-end enthusiasts will be sure to find a device to suit their tastes.

Cayin has released the new Cayin Soul 170C vacuum tube preamplifier, the perfect complement to the recently announced Soul 170P stereo vacuum tube power amplifier.

Choosing a preamplifier and its precise pairing with the rest of the path and, above all, the power amplifier is not an easy task. Especially when new models of components are constantly entering the market. Our editorial rating was compiled specifically to facilitate the choice and includes seven ultra-modern preamplifiers for every taste and budget.

The German Physiks Emperor Preamplifier is a reference preamplifier equipped with three balanced and three RCA inputs. The model is based on a fully balanced circuit and guarantees the widest bandwidth from 0.5 to 95,000 Hz with a minimum noise level of 0.001%.

PS Audio has started selling the previously announced precision preamplifier PS Audio PMG Signature Preamplifier – the frequency response of the model is within 5 – 500000 Hz (-3dB), the noise floor does not exceed -145 dB, THD+N is declared less than 0.0003%, IMD is 0.0005%, and Crosstalk is -135 dB!

The Ranieri Audio Labs Varieta preamplifier has been released – the model uses directly heated triodes and allows for a wide range of tubes (300B, 2A3/6A3, 12A/201A, 26, 30, 31, 45, 50, 71A, 801A/10Y, 275A/252A, 245 and 842/VT52 will do). Simply ideal for those wishing to experiment with tube rolling.

PS Audio has released a line of new components - The Paul McGowan Signature Series, which includes a preamp, DAC, disk transport and phonostage. All components feature innovative circuitry and offer impressive performance.

The full premiere of the Ypsilon Electronics PST 100 Anniversary Edition preamplifier will take place at Audio Show Deluxe on March 22-23, 2025, Whittlebury Park Melbourne room, at which time the full technical specifications of the device will be available. But the curtain of secrecy has already been lifted - so, the new preamplifier, released for the 30th anniversary of the company, is a further development of the SE model.

Japanese company Phasemation has released the hybrid preamplifier Phasemation CM-1500. The device is equipped with a patented “Hybrid Passive Attenuator” volume control and offers high input impedance and low output impedance – which guarantees perfect matching with other components of the signal path.