Aurorasound PREDA III Pre Amplifier

NEW: Aurorasound PREDA III Pre Amplifier

Pre-amplifiers’ fundamental function/responsibility in audio systems are to accept various audio signals, select one, adjust volume level, then feed to power amplifier with good signal conditioning. PREDA-III executes these tasks faithfully by employing true balanced signal path, coupled with complete L/R independent monaural structure. PREDA-III accommodates both XLR balanced and RCA un-balanced inputs, for CD player, DAC, phono stage, tape deck, etc. In addition, the output of both XLR balanced and RCA un-balanced perfectly matches to any kind of power amplifiers.

The components such as Input/output connectors, selectors, amplifier modules, volume controller, power regulator function, ridged/robust body structure are the key factors to achieve super performance of amplifiers. PREDA-III is precision designed with absolutely no compromises in all those factors. Noiseless sector switching, noiseless power on/off, controllers knob operation touch and feel can offer satisfaction in your music listening experiences. PREDA-III pre-amplifier not only makes the best match with PADA-300B tube power amplifier, but also, it makes a good partner with any tube and solid-state power amplifiers in the market.

FEATURES:

L/R complete monaural structure in one chassis
The left and right channels are completely independent in terms of input/output signal paths, amplifications, power regulators, and power transformers. Ideal layout with the shortest signal path, optimized placement for channel isolation, and temperature stability and vibration-absorbing make PREDA-III the perfect pre-amplifier.
　　
True balanced signal path and amplification
All XLR balanced input signal flows through the XLR balanced and RCA un-balanced signal outputs. RCA un-balanced signal input also transforms to XLR balanced and RCA un-balanced signal outputs. PREDA-III supports any input/output combinations, such as XLR in XLR out, XLR in RCA out, RCA in XLR out, RCA in RCA out.
　
Aurora AMP-2 Rev.4, new developed amplifier module
New development amplifier module, “Aurora AMP-2 Rev.4”, this is x1.5 higher speed improvement and lower noise performance in comparison with the original PREDA module. Employs NEC and Toshiba-made discrete transistors/FETs, WIMA film capacitors, and TAKMAN metal foil resistors, which is Bi-Cr-Al materials with brass cap and oxygen free copper lead wire crafted by precision laser trimming. This amplifier module has blue color aluminum top cover to keep operational temperature stability and noise shielding.

ALPS made large sized precision volume control
Machined brass 50mm diameter body, very low distortion and hi-fidelity resistor material, gold plated multi wire slider brush on mirror surface resistor. True high-end volume controller with excellent touch and feel deliver smooth and comfortable man/machine interface. This volume is sandwiched between input buffer amp (Aurora Amp module-2 Rev.1) and output buffer amp, in order to make good signal conditioning. No high frequency degradation, neither sound loss in any position of volume setting occur. NO REMOTE!

Neutrik made XLR connectors / Rhodium plated RCA connectors
Professional grade connectors for excellent reliable signal interface with life-long durability.

Optical encoder with machined aluminum knob for input selector
For input selector function, Burns-made optical encoder and OMRON-made high-reliable relay are controlled by micro controller, in order to make the shortest signal path and noiseless operation. Resume memory is equipped at power on/off sequence.

Global phase selector
This function allows changing phase status, either normal or inverse. You can select optimum position to meet recorded medial conditions. Also, works for XLR output hot/cold change to meet your power amplifier.

Solid aluminum casing
Front panel is of 10mm, side 8mm, top and bottom 5mm thick solid aluminum by precision machining. Very rigid and robust body design supports amplifier circuit boards and power transformers. Cast iron foot insulators absorb unnecessary vibration (TAOC TITE-25GS).

Reviews and Awards for the original PREDA 

Winner of StereoTimes' Most Wanted Component 2015 Award!

Michael Wright, The StereoTimes, (04/2016) concluded: 
"...at just under $13K the PREDA will easily compete with preamps in the $20K price-range. And when you combine it with its matching phono stage, the VIDA, you have a killer preamp setup that both digital and analog lovers can dig. I recognized the PREDA as a “Stereo Times Most Wanted Component” for 2015. The only way that I can possibly express my appreciation for it more would be to actually buy it. I’ll be spending the rest of 2016 trying to figure out how to do just that. Highly recommended..."
CLICK HERE to check out the entire review

Michael Wright, The StereoTimes (01/2016) wrote:
"...the first thing that captured my attention regarding this preamp was how remarkably realistic and dynamic music sounds with it in my system.  The low end of the PREDA speaks with a level of authority and extension that I had not associated with preamps from Japan.  The other attribute of note was how solid and well built this preamp is.  I am more accustomed to seeing tube based units from the smaller Japanese audio manufacturers but this one breaks the mold in terms of top-notch build quality and exceptional sonic performance..." Check it out

Winner of HiFi Critics Audio Excellence Award 2015!

Martin Colloms, HiFi Critcs (07/2015) concluded: "...while rather more costly than the matching phono stage, this control unit sets a still higher standard. High precision best describes the sound, build and operation, while the range of balanced and singleended inputs alongside full remote control represents an all-too-rare combination of virtues. Alongside its fine flexibility and ergonomics, the technical and subjective performance alone attains the Audio Excellence standard, which is the rating we award this highly precise, neutral and informative control unit..." Check out the entire review

Winner of the hi-finews Editor's Choice Award 2014!

Steve Harris concluded: "...no ordinary preamp, to say the least, the Preda seems to reflect its designer's long experience in modern commercial electronics as well as his lifelong audiophile quest. It's somewhat idiosyncratic in styling and ergonomics and so it may not be for everyone. But sonically, it can be revelatory, excelling at portraying the realism of vocal textures, for example, which makes the music expressive. It must be heard!" Check out the entire review