Introduced June of 1996
In celebration of twenty years in pursuit of perfection in the reproduction of recorded music, conrad-johnson is introducing the Anniversary Reference Triode Preamplifier. This remarkable unit is a production realization of a line-stage preamplifier originally designed exclusively for our own reference use. The final production implementation of this design is esthetically striking, ergonomically appealing to use, and quite simply, the best sounding linestage we have ever heard. We expect it to serve as our own reference for many years to come. The ART Preamplifier will be available in a numbered, limited edition of 250 units which will be sold through selected conrad-johnson dealers.
The ART Preamplifier is a vacuum-tube, line-stage preamplifier in a true dualmono configuration, with completely separate right and left chassis. The unit features input selection and level adjustment by microprocessor- controlled relays. A data link, which is isolated from the audio circuitry and grounds of the two channels, connects the two chassis to enable a single set of controls to operate both channels, eliminating the bothersome dual volume controls that are the bane of conventional dual-mono designs. Level and balance can be adjusted in 100 steps of approximately .66 dB per step. All functions can be controlled by the hand-held wireless remote control.
The circuitry of the ART Preamplifier is elegant in its simplicity. The audio circuit consists entirely of a single amplifier stage incorporating one composite triode comprising ten paralleled sections of high-transconductance miniature dual triodes. This arrangement achieves a low output impedance while reducing the number of active stages to the absolute minimum of one, resulting in a sonic purity that is unparalleled . DC voltage is supplied to this stage by cascaded discrete voltage regulators that absolutely isolate the audio circuit from the power line by maintaining virtually zero impedance across the audio band. Tube filaments (heaters) are operated on a dc voltage supplied by another discrete regulated power supply
Of course, the full potential of any circuit can only be realized by using the finest available parts. In the ART Preamplifier, the audio circuit (including the level control) is executed entirely with precision bulk metal foil resistors and polystyrenecapacitors. Tubes have been carefully selected for minimum noise and micro-phonics. The dc regulated power supplies use the same quality resistors as the audio circuits, and poly-propylene and polystyrene capacitors. Switching relays are sealed and have gold plated silver contacts. Input and output connectors are machined from oxygen free copper, and are gold plated. The component parts selected for the ART Preamplifier not only contribute to its unmatched musical performance today, but will help assure that this performance can be sustained year after year.
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Specifications ART Line Stage Preamplifier
Gain: 26 db
Maximum output: 15 vrms
Output impedance: under 500 ohms
Distortion: less than .2% THD
Frequency response: at unity gain: 2 Hz to more than 10OKhz
Hum and noise: 96 db below 1.0 v
Tube complement: 10 x 6922
Dimensions: 15.75D x 19W x 3.5H inches (each channel)
Total weight: 50 lbs.