Q-tron Audio PRE14B Vacuum Tube High-end OTL preamplifier
Product code:Q-tron Audio PRE14B Vacuum Tube High-end OTL preamplifier
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Pursuing transparency, speed, and silence
High-end OTL preamplifier with transless design
The PRE14B is a high-end preamplifier with an all-vacuum tube/OTL (Output Transformer Less) configuration that was born to send out the input music signal without muddying at all.
The amplification stage adopts ECC82 and 6N6Pi, and a thorough pure design with all stages consisting only of vacuum tubes. By completely eliminating semiconductors, output transformers, and chalk, the vacuum tube's original texture is compatible with OTL's clean and speedy responsiveness.
In addition to four inputs, a balance input/output (XLR) is installed. Volume and input switching can be operated with a remote control, and it has practicality and accuracy as a high-class preamplifier.
64-step, high-precision attenuator - changing only the volume without touching the sound
The 64-step relay attenuator on the PRE14B symbolizes Q-tron's design philosophy. The volume can be controlled precisely by 1dB engraving, and the left and right channel balance is kept extremely accurately at any position, so there is no fluctuation or coloring of the sound image at all. The switching of gold-plated contacts by relay is strong over time, and it is also a big attraction that sound quality deterioration does not occur.
The silence and transparency of PRE14B is greatly supported by this attenuator, which realizes a feeling that "only the volume moves quietly" without compromising the texture of music.
Vacuum Tube 100%OTL Configuration - Overwhelming transparency created by pure signal paths
The PRE14B adopts a complete OTL design with all amplification stages consisting only of vacuum tubes.
Output impedance is 300 Ω, strain rate is less than 0.001% at 1kHz and 1V output, frequency characteristic is 5Hz to 100kHz (-1dB).
Wide range and low distortion characteristics of soundfast transient responseIt draws out the elongation of overtones and the amount of information as it is, forming a natural sound field without coloring.
A rich texture unique to vacuum tubes and a direct feeling unique to OTL.
It is a preamplifier that pursues "purity of sound" that fuses both in high dimensions.
Stabilized power supply and robust housing support quietness
A highly stabilized power supply is used for the anode power supply and heater, suppressing hum noise and fluctuations caused by the power supply to an extremely low level.
The internal structure is properly divided by three high-quality PCBs, and the case is made of a 10mm thick machined aluminum chassis. It completely blocks out unnecessary vibrations and achieves a quietness that blends into the space.
PA12B / PA34B and Perfectly harmonious sound quality design
PRE14B can be combined with Q-tron's proud OTL power amplifiers, PA12B and PA34B, to maximize their transparency, low distortion, and wideband characteristics.
For high-level power amplifiers, a preamplifier that maintains signal purity at the same level is essential - the PRE14B is designed for exactly that purpose.
Of course, it also exhibits excellent compatibility with high-resolution power amplifiers from other brands, greatly improving the transparency and quietness of the entire system.
Purity, silence, and precision---the state of "colorless and transparent" demonstrated by PRE14B
The width of the sound field, the beauty of overtones, the sense of speed, and the quietness──
All of this harmonizes at a high level and depicts the essence of the music without muddying it.
Sound as it is, as beautiful as it is.
PRE14B is a pure OTL preamplifier created for listeners aiming for just that.
| vacuum tube | ECC82 x2, 6N6Pi x4 |
|---|---|
| gain | 12 dB (4x) |
| channel balance | Within ±0.05dB |
| input impedance | 40kΩ |
| Output impedance | 300Ω |
| Harmonic distortion (THD) | At 1kHz, 1V output < 0.001% |
| Frequency characteristics | 5Hz ~ 100kHz (-1dB) |
| hum and noise | At 1V output < -100dBA |
| volume control | 64 steps |
| input terminal | 2 gold-plated phono systems, 2 balanced XLR systems |
| Output terminal | 1 gold-plated phono system, 1 balanced XLR system |
| Dimensions | 430 x 110 x 370 mm (W x H x D) |
| Weight | 11.5kg |
The preamp has a fairly elaborate design, with the front panel featuring only a power switch on the left, a knob in the shape of Mount Fuji with a tapered tip in the center, and a small display window to its right. This custom-made knob is shared for both volume and input switching. The volume control is a 64-step attenuator, and the input selection is done by pressing the knob to cycle through the four inputs in order. The selected input or volume level is displayed on the panel next to the knob. There are two balanced and two unbalanced input options. Outputs are also provided for both unbalanced and balanced connections. It's difficult to describe the sound quality of the preamp, but it has a solid presence, and even at fortissimo there is no sense of being restrained. Moreover, even in complex passages, each note feels stable without wavering, and it has a performance level befitting a high-end device. It was an amplifier that brilliantly shattered the preconceived notion of 'this is what a good amp should be.' It reminded me that there are still things in the world I do not know. *See 'Radio Technology'.
