90%
Ypsilon Electronics PST-100 MK2
Conventional wisdom suggests that the most critical part of a preamplifier is the active circuit design. We, however, believe that the means of signal attenuation (the volume control) is the most critical to the overall sound of a preamplifier. Most designers use resistor attenuators for volume control. We have used resistor attenuators with high quality resistors (Vishay, in the past, felt unsatisfied from the character they induced in the signal. We developed a very special transformer as the means of attenuation, using special winding techniques and highest quality wires and cores. Its performance suppassed that of the best resistor attenuators. In a transformer the magnetic circuit can be ultra linear when the very best core materials are used. The sound of such materials is much more musical and detailed compared with the best resistors. A transformer attenuator with 31 taps is used in the PST100 mk2 providing a total attenuation of 54db in its lowest tap.
The active gain stage is a no – feedback s.e. ,C3m triode, transformer coupled. The power supply uses valve rectification(using the 6CA4) and choke filter. Wiring is point to point with custom made pure silver wire. The transformer attenuator is placed after the valve stage, preserving the purity and micro details of the signal. The gain is 16db. Output impedance is 150 Ω max. PST 100 mk2 is the pinnacle in preamplification. It is a must have component for building a “no holds” system.
PST 100 TA PST 100 is also available without the valve stage for systems that don’t require additional gain. This version is equipped with the transformer attenuators and is called PST 100 TA. Notice that it is fully upgradeable to the full version at any time by returning to factory
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Ypsilon PST-100 MK2
The Ypsilon PST-100 MK2 elevates preamplification by centering a transformer-based attenuation topology that delivers a musical, highly detailed presentation. Its transformer attenuator (31 taps, 54dB) sits after a no-feedback single-ended C3m triode stage, resulting in a warm, natural midrange, taut low end and airy treble with precise imaging and convincing soundstage. Robust dynamics and preserved micro-detail come from transformer coupling, valve rectification (6CA4) and choke filtering, yielding an animated yet refined performance. Built with point-to-point pure-silver wiring and a hefty 25 kg chassis, the PST-100 MK2 feels bespoke and durable. Ideal for high-end systems seeking tonal purity and upgradeability (see the TA variant), it earned strong editorial praise and an overall score of 90.38 from Finn de Kroon at Best of High End.
Pros
- Transformer attenuator with 31 taps (54 dB) preserves micro-detail and produces a musical, highly resolving presentation.
- No-feedback single-ended C3m triode gain stage with transformer coupling, valve rectification (6CA4) and choke filtering delivers refined dynamics and tonal richness.
- Bespoke construction—point-to-point pure-silver wiring and a heavy 25 kg chassis—reflects premium build quality and meticulous craftsmanship.
Transparency
91/100
Reviewers stress that the transformer attenuator and its placement after the valve stage "preserves the purity and micro-details" of the signal; the no-feedback single-ended C3m triode and transformer coupling are presented as designs chosen to be 'invisible' in the chain. No mentions of hum/hiss or a raised noise floor were reported, so transparency is rated very high while allowing for the expected mild tube-related coloration.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
90/100
The ultra-linear transformer design, transformer-coupled output stage and robust power supply (valve rectification + choke filter) are reported to preserve micro- and macro-dynamic information, yielding an animated, lifelike presentation. While the review does not use many explicit 'punchy' synonyms, the descriptions imply excellent dynamic control and low compression.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Point-to-point pure silver wiring, transformer attenuation that preserves micro-detail, and the single-ended topology are noted as contributing to precise imaging and a convincing soundstage. The reviewer's language ('unmatched', 'exquisite listening experience') supports a strong spatial performance though explicit measurements of width/depth are not provided.
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Build Quality
93/100
Construction is described as bespoke and meticulous: a custom attenuation transformer, custom pure-silver wiring, valve rectification and choke filtering, and transformer-coupled triode gain stage indicate premium craftsmanship. The use of high-end parts and point-to-point assembly plus the heavy 25 kg chassis point to excellent mechanical and electrical build quality.
Features Connectivity
80/100
The only explicit connectivity/feature called out is the transformer attenuator with 31 taps (54 dB total attenuation) and an active gain of x7 (16.9 dB). The review does not list inputs/outputs (balanced XLR, phono, DAC, remote, HT bypass, etc.), so the active-preamp baseline (80) is applied pending more detailed I/O information.
Value for Money
86/100
The reviewer calls the PST-100 MK2 a 'pinnacle' and uses very laudatory language, but no price or peer-comparison data are provided in the review. Per QA rules, in the absence of explicit pricing or competitor comparisons the neutral baseline range is applied (settled at 86) rather than inflating the score based solely on superlative editorial language.
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