THE EMPEROR PREAMPLIFIER

The Emperor Preamplifier is part of our new Emperor Extreme range of high-end audiophile electronics.
It has been designed to provide a perfect match with the Emperor Extreme stereo and Emperor Extreme mono power amplifiers. Careful selection of the input impedances and sensitivities, as well as the output impedances and levels, ensures that it will also work well with good quality power amplifiers from other makers.

Three balanced and three unbalanced inputs are provided per channel, allowing flexibility for use in a wide range of system configurations. Each channel also has two balanced and two unbalanced outputs, making it easy to use in multi-amp systems.

TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE
The signal path is totally discrete and the design is fully balanced throughout for optimum noise rejection.
The design’s very wide bandwidth provides exceptional transparency and resolution. High voltage power supply rails ensure a very wide dynamic range. The volume control uses a sophisticated relay-switched resistor network design, allowing precise adjustment with very accurate channel balance. This also gives the volume control stage a constant input and output impedance, which prevents the changes in sound quality that can occur at different settings with simpler designs.

The heart of an amplifier is the power supply, so great care was taken with the design to ensure that it would be able to provide the audio section with a source of power that was as stable and noise free as possible.

The preamplifier’s incoming mains power is not routed through the power switch, as these can have a detrimental effect on the sound. Instead, this switch supplies power to the standby circuit and when the front panel On button is pressed, this turns on a high-current relay which connects the mains source to the unit’s power supply.

EASY TO USE
A large, easy to read front panel display provides a clear indication of the volume control setting and the unit’s status.
Input selection and volume level may be adjusted from the front panel, or via an infrared remote control, which is included. This is housed in a heavy machined aluminium body to match the solid feel of the unit’s main chassis.

The power supplies for the audio and control sections have their own independent toroidal power transformers. These were chosen for their low external magnetic fields. To reduce this further, they are housed in their own screened enclosures.

High quality power supply capacitors are used with additional decoupling capacitors located physically as close as possible to where they are needed in the circuit. Great care was also taken with the internal grounding to prevent the introduction of noise.

QUALITY
The Emperor Preamplifier is designed and manufactured in Germany. To ensure excellent sound performance and high reliability, great care and attention has been devoted to all stages of production: from the initial design to component selection and final manufacture.
Before a single component was soldered, many hours were spent carrying out detailed computer modelling, in order to optimise the technical performance of the various sections of the design. All the components were selected for both their technical excellence and reliability. To further enhance the reliability, all components are operated well within their maximum limits. The final selection of components and topology was made on the basis of exhaustive listening tests, as well as detailed measurements.

Great attention was also paid to the aesthetics and the mechanical construction. This is a very high quality product, so the look and build quality had to be of a commensurate level. The construction uses an internal steel chassis with a 15mm thick silver anodised aluminium outer case.

This provides magnetic screening, together with structural rigidity to minimise the effects of external vibration. The fit and finish of the chassis is first class and this combined with the impressively smooth feel of the controls, reassures the user of the high level of quality that this product offers.

Before dispatch, each unit is given a prolonged burn-in run before being subject to an intensive battery of electronic tests. Only when it has successfully passed these and been given a final physical inspection is it judged ready to be sent to the customer.

 

PRODUCT SPECIFCATIONS

Dynamic Range
140dB

Signal to Noise Ratio
-103 dB A
Ref 2V, A weighted
Input XLR, output XLR

Signal to Noise Ratio
104 dB A
Ref 2V, A weighted
Input RCA, output RCA

THD + Noise
0.001% @ 2kHz output (22Hz to 22kHz)

Maximum Output Voltage
20V into 600Ω

Frequency Response
0.5Hz-95kHz (-3dB) @ 2V output

Controls
Source select
Volume
Ground lift
Display on/off

Pre-amp Inputs
RCA x 3 pairs
XLR x 3 pairs

Pre-amp Outputs
RCA x 2 pairs
XLR x 2 pairs

Supplied Accessories
Infra red remote control

Other information
Trigger input & output for remote operation
Custom cable used for internal wiring

Finish
Silver anodized aluminium

Dimensions
474 mm W x 160 mm H x 474 mm D

Weight
30kg

Warranty
5 years

As part of our process of continually improving our products, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice.