Description
*Seller vacation/time away does not apply to this item which will ship the same or next postal day after payment. Extremely rare 6 channel analog preamplifier by French audio design company YBA for their mid-fi Audio Refinement brand. No digital or analog processing of any kind, just clean and even preamplification to pass on to the power amps or monitors of your choice. All six channels are totally identical and full range, with no filters even on the “subwoofer” output, which is why this is more accurately described as a 6 channel than 5.1 channel preamp. The front LR outputs are doubled making it perfect for biamping the front channels or other applications. Perfect for computer based multichannel music libraries or vintage SACD, DVD-A or Quad analog set ups. Put an HDMI to multichannel analog breakout box ($50 on eBay) between your AppleTV and the Pre-5 and enjoy crystal clear 5.1 fold down of atmos movies and music. The Pre-5 is simply the most elegant volume and switching solution for any rig with level trim and bass management organized at the source and/or power amp level. Feel free to ask me anything about possible uses! Includes the YBA remote, which needed to be purchased separately. This remote also controls the AR cd player, tuner, and other separates and is all but impossible to find these days. It is in very good condition. The remote sensor on the preamp is missing the red plastic visor, but still works. Could probably be easily replaced. I am the second owner and will ship with the original receipt from Audio Vision in San Francisco. Bandwidth 5Hz-400kHz +/-2dB Signal to noise ratio 100dB Output impedance <20 Power consumption 6.5W Max output voltage 3.8V Dimensions 442x320x140mm Weight 5.8kg Kal Rubinson, Stereophile: “Yet another multichannel preamplifier? Nah. Just as the McIntosh C45 that I wrote about in March is dressed up to look and work like a traditional stereo preamp while accommodating two multichannel inputs, the Audio Refinement Pre5 is a true two-channel stereo preamp with a concealed multichannel capability. Apparently, Audio Refinement, the value-priced line from YBA, took a simple stereo preamp package and added four more decks to the input selector and volume control (but not to the monitor switch, footnote 1). They then adorned the rear with a few extra jacks to handle the ins and outs. That's it. What they have achieved for $995 is a very attractive package. You either love the Pre5's sleek but Spartan design or you don't. I do, and for that reason found its operation obvious and uncomplicated. The front panel has input-selector and volume knobs. Between them are five LEDs that indicate the inputs. The knobs are flanked by two pushbuttons: Power on the left, Tape Monitor on the right, each with its own small LED. On the back are stereo outputs for main amp and tape deck and stereo inputs for CD, Tuner, Tape, and Aux 1 and 2, as well as a power input socket, power switch, and fuse post. Power control jacks for associated power amps are provided. The remote control is optional. The Pre5's small but rigid chassis sits stably on three isolation feet. Inside, the power transformer is suspended to reduce vibrations; outside, the construction is of nonmagnetic materials. So far, nothing to divulge to the inquisitive that this is anything but a tidy stereo preamp. All is revealed, however, by the presence of what Audio Refinement calls a DVD input and a DVD output. Of course, one can (and I did) plug a universal player into it. These arrays of six RCA jacks each could be used as an additional stereo input in the absence of a multichannel source. Also, the front L/R outputs parallel the main outputs, so that the Pre5 can do double duty. This wiring arrangement permits the Pre5 to run a stereo power amp and a multichannel power amp simultaneously or alternatively, as needed. It's a neat arrangement for those who wish to keep some separation between these operations, employing a fine audiophile amp and speakers for stereo and a more HT-oriented setup for multichannel. Hookup is almost nostalgic: multiple stereo inputs labeled with traditional names, and no setups or displays. The lack of a standard remote control is hard to accept today but that is amendable at some extra cost. Operation is uncomplicated. Turn the Pre5 on, wait a few seconds for it to stabilize, pick your input, and set the volume. If the source is stereo, it comes out that way. If it's multichannel, you get that. A no-brainer. The sound was decidedly punchy and impressive but untiring—sort of like putting a dynamic tube preamp into the system. The Pre5 added an excitement to the sound that often made me want to dance. (Those who know me will be stunned.) Bass had heft and definition, the midrange was nicely balanced and detailed, and the highs were even and open.”
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