Accustic Arts Reference Hybrid Tube Preamplifier II Mk 2
Special Price: SOLD
Price guide: replacement RRP $24,995
Selling on behalf, a beautiful in every respect, Accustic Arts Reference Hybrid Tube Preamplifier II Mk ,2 only had minimal use.
As heretical as it may sound, there is audio equipment that looks so attractive that sonic considerations can take a backseat, at least until you actually listen to it. The Accustic Arts gear falls firmly into this camp. Its fit and finish aren’t just appealing; they’re breathtaking. A friend of mine wanted to want to buy them based on their looks alone even before he got a chance to hear them.
The good news, however, is that the Reference Hybrid Tube Preamp II Mk II—or, as they put in German, “Der Tube preamp” not only looks fetching but also deliver the musical goods
The ACCUSTIC ARTS® TUBE PREAMP II - MK2 is a preamplifier with an exceptional and uncompromising design along the lines of the so-called tube-hybrid concept. This concept, also an integral part of theirTUBE-DAC II, combines the advantages of transistor technology with the advantages of the tube principle. Tubes are excellent voltage amplifiers, but can only supply a limited amount of current. As a result, in the TUBE PREAMP II - MK2 the tubes are placed exactly there where these clear advantages can influence the acoustic pattern, i.e. for the voltage amplification. In places where current has to be supplied, e.g. for impedance conversion, we use the proven premium IC OPA627® from Burr Brown / Texas Instruments. This combination allows us to achieve very low-resistance outputs which are also characterised by a high current capability. We use solid state technology and tubes to take advantage of their physical characteristics to realise an exceptional, analogue sound experience with an extremely low harmonic distortion and excellent harmonic distortion spectrum which sets standards.
As opposed to most tube preamplifiers, the TUBE PREAMP II - MK2 is in fact fully balanced, i.e. with 4 completely separate amplification stages from the signal input to the signal output.
The 4 amplification stages are divided into one inverting and one non-inverting signal path per channel. Each of these amplification stages contains a high precision tube manufactured according to military specifications. This principle enables perfect channel separation.
The loudness is adjusted via a high-end selective, high precision 4 channel potentiometer. It is natural that the TUBE PREAMP II - MK2 functions completely according to the proven Class A principle.
Absolute Sound review summay:
I very much enjoyed the ravishing sound of strings, the evocative plangency of a solo piano echoing in the hall, and the ability to discern easily when the pedal was being applied. The fascinating thing about the Accustic Arts is that it offers another potent reminder that for less than stupendous sums you can construct a devastatingly good (and ultra-reliable) stereo system. It is nimble and powerful and, above all, artful…….. Jacob Heilbrunn
Absolute Sound review:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/accustic-arts-reference-hybrid-tube-preamplifier-ii-mk-ii-and-mono-ii-monoblock-amp/
6MOONS review:
https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/accusticarts/2.html
Positive Feedback review:
https://positive-feedback.com/Issue71/accustisarts_amp.htm
Mono & Stereo Review:
https://www.monoandstereo.com/accustic-arts-mono-ii-power-amplifiers-and-tube-preamp-ii-mk2-test-and-review/
Specs:
Inputs:
3x XLR balanced,
2x RCA unbalanced
1x theatre pass-through
Outputs:
2x XLR balanced,
2x RCA unbalanced,
1x RCA unbalanced fixed-level,
1x headphone output
Dimensions: 148W x 99H x 376D mm
Weight: 18kg.
■Please ensure you are familiar with our Terms & Conditions before making a purchase, thank you.