Предусилители — Orpheus Lab Absolute Preamplifier A Two 22D

The Absolute Preamplifier A Two 22D is a line preamplifier from Orpheus Lab, founded in Switzerland in 2001, which currently offers two ranges, the Absolute and the Heritage, spanning CD and SACD players, preamplifiers, stereo and mono power amplifiers and the Absolute Integrated. Part of the Absolute range, it takes its volume control technology, called CRQL, from the Heritage series. Its circuit follows a dual mono layout, adding a Class A current-buffered output stage, no feedback loops and remote control.

Key specs that matter

The four analogue inputs are two balanced XLR pairs plus two unbalanced RCA pairs, with input impedance of 94 kohm balanced and 47 kohm unbalanced. A switch selects whether the signal leaves via XLR or RCA, and the source impedance is 200 ohm on the balanced side and 100 ohm on the unbalanced side. Maximum input level is 7.2 V RMS balanced and 3.6 V RMS unbalanced, and maximum output is 6.2 V RMS and 3.1 V RMS. Frequency response is 5 Hz to 24 kHz within 0.1 dB, THD+N stays under 0.0014 percent at 1 kHz and dynamic range exceeds 105 dB. The case measures 440 x 420 x 100 mm and weighs 14.2 kg, and power draw peaks at 50 W.

Engineering and use context

The CRQL name refers to constant resistive quadrupole cells arranged on a logarithmic distribution. The attenuator is purely resistive, built from metal film resistors with 0.1 percent tolerance and without any semiconductor components in the signal path, and it is configured in an unbalanced design. Level runs from minus 120 dB to plus 6 dB in 1 dB increments, and each change completes within 150 nanoseconds. Three input gain settings are available per source, marked High at 0 dB, Medium at plus 5.85 dB and Low at plus 11.88 dB, so low-output sources can be lifted while high-output sources pass without added gain. Total gain can reach 18 dB through the balanced path and 24 dB through the unbalanced path. The mains supply is set for 100, 115 or 230 V AC.

Pairing

The balanced output is a natural match for power amplifiers fitted with XLR sockets, for example the Orpheus Lab Absolute S200 stereo amplifier from the same line. The A Zero PC disc player from the Absolute range shares the chassis dimensions and front panel style and can connect through the balanced inputs, leaving the RCA pairs for a phono stage or a streamer.

Alternatives

Orpheus Lab also builds the Heritage Preamplifier in its higher Heritage line.