SW1x PRE III LPX HP Line Phono & Headphone Pre-Amplifier

SW1X PRE III LPX HP

Integrated EL84 Line &  EF86 Phono Headphone Pre-Amplifier

The PRE III LPX HP is a pure class A, zero negative feedback (global or local) phono line pre amplifier with a signal output transformer (OPT) de-coupled valve output stage. The LPX HP version of PRE III has a supercharged LPU Phono stage which is based on classic circuit design used to master vinyl recordings and master tapes. With the additional headphones output, headphone enthusiasts can also experience the same rich, analogue sound, making it a versatile choice for both speaker and headphone listening.

Essentially, the design of PRE III LPX HP valve line pre-amplifier is akin of a power amplifier, which drives line level output instead of driving high load of a speaker. The PRE III LPX HP utilises 6N6P or 5687/E182CC as a driver and a pair of triode connected EL84 is a classic power valves, which were popular in electric guitar amps and most radios in the 50s and 60s and are known for their articulate character.

The LPX HP version of PRE III has a supercharged LPU Phono stage with our range of Signal Output Transformers (OPT) : M6 EI core (STD version), all Copper wound Double C-core Super HiB Signal OPT (Special version) or with partial Silver wound Ultra HiB (Classic version) or as all Silver wound Ultra HiB, limited production Signature version.

Signal OPT of highest quality not only increases transparency (superior to any kind of capacitors) but also lowers the output impedance of the line pre-amplifier further close to 4 Ohms, capable of driving any load of power amplifier input. The virtually unlimited driving capability of PRE III LPX HP (as well as the DHT version PRE IV) line pre-amplifier acts as a supercharger to a source (DAC Phono, Tape or Radio).

Altogether, the combination of powerful driver and output tubes & Signal Output Transformer (OPT) results in tonal purity, incredible transparency & the dynamic driving ability, which in turn provides an added dynamic expressiveness as the ability to dig deep into musical presentation.

SW1X Audio Design™ PRE III LPX HP Line & Phono Headphone Pre-Qmplifier Features:

• Specially Selected and Harmonically matched Component & Material Quality
• Performance Level 3
• Anode follower, zero NFB, Signal Output Transformer (OPT) de-coupled Valve Output Stage
• SW1X Audio Design™ Double C-core Super (Cu/CU or Cu/Ag windings) or Ag/Ag wound Ultra HiB Signal OPT transformers
• 1 x Double triode 6N6P or 5687 driver, 2 x EL84 Triode Connected Power Pentode Valve Amplification Design
• 2 x SW1X Audio Design™ Mono, 24 Way, discrete resistor Stepped Attenuators made from the Finest Materials and Specially Selected Resistors
• Hybrid Point 2 Point Hardwiring Technique for the most consistent production results
• 5Y3/5U4GYB/5R4GYB Directly heated Tube rectified CLC2LC (choke filtered) B+ power supply
• For maximum transparency & dynamics, the circuit is hard wired with of a specially selected conductors (single strand or Litz)
• Internally wired exclusively with our SW1X Magnum, Genesis and Opus conductors

LPX Phono Section Features:

• MM Phono Pre-amplifier is suitable for all moving magnet (MM)  or moving coil (MC) in combination with a matching SUT
• Classic 2 Gain Stage Pentode Input-RIAA-Triode Output Design
• Based on 2 x EF86 Pentode Valves on the Input and 6N6P/5687 Double Triode on the Output
• Pure Class A, Zero NFB, Single Ended, all Valve Amplification RC Circuit Topology
• Active Series-Resistor-less RIAA Equalization
• 5Y3 Valve Rectified CLC2RC (choke filtered) B+ Power Supply
• 47K Input Impedance

Tube Compliment

Line Section

Phono Section

Versions

PRE III LPX HP is available with a following output transformer (OPTs) specifications:

• Standard : SW1X Audio Design all Copper wound, orient grain M6 EI Core OPTs
• Special :  SW1X Audio Designall Copper wound Super HiB DC Core OPTs
• Classic : SW1X Audio DesignCopper/Silver Windings, Super HiB DC Core OPTs
• Signature : SW1X Audio DesignSilver/Silver Windings, Super HiB DC Core OPTs

SW1X Audio Design products were designed for maximum performance and also to ensure compatibility with majority of audio systems. However, pairing different audio systems may result in impedence or sensitivity mismatch. For maximum musical pleasure, we recommend to pair our products only with our harmonically matched system components. To achieve best possible results, the matching system component should be on equal performance level or alternatively within one level below or above.

I was looking for a way to transition my headphone system to a speaker system. My current setup had a headphone amp that could also function as a pre amp.But that amp did not synergize well with the Sw1x dac 3 and vdt3 streamer of my setup.However in september I saw the headphone pre amp on the Sw1x website and thought that this was perfect for my needs. After a listening session at my dealer the order was placed.The pre3 headphone amp brings a dynamic and energetic presentation to the music. But still with the requisite control, grip and prat. All of which results in the music coming alive and making that emotional connection.The pre 3 headphone amp is also still neutral and has lots of power on tap, so almost all headphones can be used. Up to the listener to decide where to go.So for the future remains to decide which amp and speakers to add.