20.11.2022 11:00
The Italian company Riviera Audio Labs has introduced a new tube preamplifier APL1. The new preamp offers two balanced XLR inputs, thus being located in the model range one step above the APL10.
The amplification stages in the Riviera Audio Labs APL1 operate in pure class A. Riviera Audio Labs APL1 uses a more powerful power transformer and a capacitor block of the power supply filter. The preamplifier also uses an input transformer circuit for both types of inputs.
The switching capabilities of the Riviera Audio Labs APL1 include two pairs of unbalanced RCA outputs and one balanced XLR output, which can be used simultaneously and with the same gain. The input selector is based on electromagnetic relays.
Riviera Audio Labs equips the APL1 preamplifier with tubes from Slovakian company JJ Electronic, which provide durability and stable characteristics. The dimensions of the Riviera Audio Labs APL1 preamplifier are 44 x 50.5 x 16.4 cm, and the weight is 19.6 kg. We’re waiting information about the release date of the preamp and the recommended retail price.
This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database
Model name
APL1
Analog inputs (balanced)
1
Analog inputs (single-ended)
4
Analog outputs (balanced)
1
Analog outputs (single-ended)
2
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Output voltage (V)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
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)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N) (%)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
440 × 505 × 164
Weight (kg)
19.6
Official link
Image from https://www.rivieralabs.com/en/products/electronics/apl1/
The American manufacturer of High-End audio equipment, Boulder, has introduced a new stereo power amplifier, the Boulder 1162. The model offers 2 x 300 watts of power into 8 ohm speakers and a staggering 2 x 900 watts into 4 ohm load.
McIntosh has unveiled the McIntosh DS200 network streamer – a high-end device that combines high-quality digital-to-analog conversion and ergonomic streaming. The model offers Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect options along with Apple AirPlay, Roon Ready, Bluetooth 5.0 (AAC, and Qualcomm aptX HD), and Google Cast (Google Assistant compatible for voice control is also on board) – so you won’t need any additional apps to control the device.
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.
Chord has expanded its GroundARAY and PowerARAY anti-noise systems ranges with the PhonoARAY, a filtering solution that allows virtual grounding of turntables to the phonopreamp or to the Phono input of an integrated amplifier.
Esoteric has unveiled the Grandioso N1T – the first streamer (network transport) in the company’s flagship series. The Esoteric Grandioso N1T is a perfect match for the flagship Grandioso D1X SE monoblock DACs and the Grandioso K1X SE Super Audio CD player. Sales of the new product will begin in March 2025.