The signal processing of pick-up cartridges is one of the most delicate jobs in amplification. With this thousandfold amplification (60 dB) the signal must be processed as possible. The extremely low signal level and the frequency-related amplification which arises from the RIAA equalisation curve applied in the cutting of LPs make the highest demands of a phono preamplifier.
The QUASAR is built in dual-mono configuration from the power supply upwards. There are two separate amplifier stages, one for MM cartridges and the other for MC cartridges, both are fed from their own section of the regulated power supply.
The MC input section of the Quasar can be optimised for a range of cartridges, settings for both sensitivity and load are adjusted via jumpers on the main PCB.
The two separate outputs with different sensitivities make it possible for preamps or recorders to be fed via the 'Low Out', whilst the 'High Out' can drive power amps directly.
The output stage has huge headroom at extremely low noise levels and, due to its low output impedance and high current delivery, can drive long interconnect cables without any sonic degradation.
The enhanced power supply of the QUASAR is based around a 60 VA toroidal transformer with a low-density magnetic field and very little dispersion. This power, together with 40,000 �F filtering, can feed the circuit with the kind of super-clean current usually delivered only by battery-based supplies, even with extreme dynamic swings.
The entirely discrete construction, as well as the short signal paths of the QUASAR, combine the best audiophile tradition with innovative circuit design. This phono preamplifier makes analogue high-end reproduction affordable at last!
Technical Specifications:
MM input: 3 mV /47 kOhm / 100 pF
MC input Sensitivity: 100 �V / 220 �V / 600 �V
MC input Impedance: 100 Ohm / 220 Ohm / 470 Ohm
Output voltage: "Low Out": 220 mV/100 Ohm / "High Out": 775 mV (0 dBm)/ 22 Ohm
The QUASAR was awarded first prize for Best Phonostage in 2002 at the biannual "Image Hifi Awards" in Germany, one of Europe's premier hi-fi accolades.
