Lehmann Decade Phono Preamplifier
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An ambitious phono stage that forges a link between the Black Cube series and the top-of-the-line model Silver Cube: this is our Decade. However, it is rather a high flyer than a stopgap. Owing to its cutting-edge technology, it has the gift to spoil even the most demanding music enthusiasts. And this with a flawless sound which points far beyond its price category. It doesn’t matter if you keep playing your favourite LPs time and again or love to discover unknown records, if you are all alone or celebrate your music in an intimate circle – the Decade impresses in every situation with a harmonic performance of passionate temper and precise contours. For this is why we created it: for you and your very personal music fireworks.
Needless to say that we selected the components for the Decade with utmost care again. Thus, for instance, the employed input stages ensure an amazingly low-noise reproduction. It’s not without reason that they can also be found in very high-grade mixing consoles and microphone preamps from makers of professional studio electronics. The ultra-precision passive RIAA equalisation network lies between two linear gain stages and is realised using low-loss precision MKP capacitors. That way transients, dynamics and sonic timbres will get straight to the listener in a genuine manner.
Always with your musical enjoyment in mind, we have also developed the PWX II power supply which lets you benefit from a further enhanced performance. This power supply that is equipped with inductive elements at critical points feeds the Decade with very low-noise DC voltages. Like in the Silver Cube it is linked to the audio device via a shielded cable with Neutrik connectors. Since the PWX II power supply is downward compatible with the PWX power supply, the audio devices of the Black Cube series may be connected as well. For this purpose we have provided a dedicated second output.
Of course, with its manifold setting options the Decade, too, is fully custom-tunable to your individual needs. Thus e.g. even exotic MC systems can be connected hassle-free to this outstanding phono stage – the 66 dB maximum gain is definitely sufficient in any case. To give even the most exceptional MC system a matching termination, we have included a free slot for a custom impedance. Furthermore, you have the possibility to individually adjust the input capacitance values. The discrete class A output stage with its high quiescent current delivers an open, swift sound image and can easily drive longer cables as well.
The switches for the gain adaptation plus a switchable "soft bass rolloff filter" are conveniently operated via toggle switches located on the front panel. The actual functions are controlled by internal high-quality relays.
Features
- Low noise design
- Compatible also with exotic MC cartridges
- Ultra precise passive RIAA equalisation network for perfect transient response and channel balance
- Powerful class A output stage for an open, natural sound
- Custom impedance slot
- Front panel operated gain setting
- Front panel operated soft bass roll-off filter
- PWX II power supply for a substantially powerful and relaxed reproduction
- Non-magnetic aluminium housing with mechanically dampened top cover to avoid microphony and resonances
- RCA sockets with gold-plated contacts
- Shielded power supply cable
- Aluminium face plate available in silver, black or chrome
- Made in Germany
Specifications
| Sensitivity for output level 775 mV/ 0 dB (with activated high gain switch) Gain 1 kHz Maximum input level 1 kHz Signal to noise ratio (RMS unweighted) |
MM: 3.8 mV/1 kHz; MC: 0.38 mV/1 kHz MM: 46 dB; MC: 66 dB MM: 45 mV; MC: 4.5 mV MM: 78 dB; MC: 69 dB |
| Gain | 36 dB, 46 dB, 56 dB, 66 dB |
| Channel separation | > 80 dB at 10 kHz |
| Input impedance | 47 kohms, 1 kohm, 100 ohms 1 x custom load |
| Output impedance | 5 ohms |
| Input capacitance | 47 pF to 1,370 pF |
| Channel mismatch | typ. max 0.5 dB |
| Bass filter | 50 Hz, 6 dB/oct. |
| Power consumption | app. 13 VA |
| Outer dimensions W x D x H | Audio section: 110 mm x 280 mm x 50 mm PWX II power supply: 110 mm x 280 mm x 50 mm |
| Weight | Audio section: 0.87 kg PWX II power supply: 1.56 kg |
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About
Lehmannaudio Vertriebs GmbH was originally founded in 1988 by Norbert Lehmann, a young audio engineering student, in Cologne, Germany. Through those early days, Norbert developed a deep understanding of how the quality of certain electrical devices affected the end sound-performance of an amplifier. The cumulative result of this formative period was manifest in 1995, when Lehmannaudio released the Black Cube phono stage.
The Black Cube is now a cult object in the audiophile market. Still available today in almost the same form as the original model, the Black Cube took components more commonly found in studio mixing desks and brought them to a hi-fi product. The result was an affordable phono stage that sounded truly sublime. In 2004, the next icon was born; the Linear Headphone Amplifier (originally called Black Cube Linear) again took studio principles and brought them to the hi-fi sector, allowing hi-fi fans to experience the true engineering ability of Norbert Lehmann.
Since 2004 the phono stage and headphone amplifier sectors have been happy homes for Lehmannaudio products, and now the company can boast a range of products in each sector that are suitable for all budgets and technical requirements.