Предусилители — Audionet MACH

The MACH is an ultra-reference preamplifier in Audionet's Scientist Series, styled according to the design language of Hartmut Esslinger and described by the Berlin maker as the smaller sibling of its Stern preamplifier. A prototype was first displayed at High End 2024 in Munich together with the Schrödinger monoblock amplifiers, and it later entered full production. Its Australian price was AUD 47,950, and the local warranty runs for two years.

Key specs that matter

Frequency response extends from 0 Hz to 2,200,000 Hz at -3 dB when the MACH runs DC-coupled, and from 2 Hz to the same upper limit in AC-coupled mode. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 123 dB, and THD+N stays below -116 dB at 1 kHz, measured over a 0 to 20 kHz band. Output impedance is 22 ohm, and the output stage can deliver up to 60 mA. The rear panel carries five unbalanced RCA inputs plus a single XLR input, and the outputs are two RCA, one phase-inverted RCA and two balanced XLR, plus a ground post and optical Audionet Link ports. The chassis measures 446 mm wide, 215 mm high and 450 mm deep, or 490 mm including connectors. It runs on 120 V or 230 V at 50 to 60 Hz and draws up to 50 W.

Engineering and use context

Audionet built the circuit and case without ferro-magnetic materials to avoid magnetic and capacitive interference, and it uses the Floating Pane Design against microphonic effects and for temperature stability. The layout is double mono for channel separation. Signal gain comes from discrete operational amplifier modules taken from the Stern, combined with mica capacitors, and because the signal path is DC-coupled there are no coupling capacitors or coils in it. A DC level removal function is included for sources with an offset. The volume control uses a precision resistor network with electronic switches, and the knob turns on a double ball-bearing axis with a magnetic ratchet read by an optical sensor. The main supply uses 22,000 microfarad capacitors with a silk dielectric within a total storage of 176,000 microfarads, and a microprocessor handles control with separate monitoring of the power supply. Input names can be set by the user, input levels can be matched, and a bypass mode lets the MACH sit in a home cinema system.

Pairing

The natural partners are the Schrödinger monoblocks, priced in Australia at AUD 92,500 per pair, and the Audionet Link outputs allow other Audionet units to be controlled together. The low source impedance and current reserve also suit long balanced runs to any power amplifier placed next to its speakers.

Alternatives

The Audionet Stern is the larger preamplifier of the Scientist Series, sharing its designer and the Floating Pane construction.