The TEA-1 is a phono equalization preamplifier designed to satisfy the needs of the most demanding music lovers. It is a highly flexible phono stage, featuring two phono inputs. The low gain input provides 45 dB of gain, ideally suited to moderate to high-output cartridges. The high-gain input has 63 dB of gain for use with low output moving-coil cartridges. The user can select between these inputs with a front panel switch, for the convenience of those who have two turntables or one with two tone arms. The low-gain input offers switch selectable resistive and capacitive loading to fine-tune the performance to the chosen cartridge.
Designed to precisely track the prescribed RIAA equalization curve, the TEA-1 assures absolute tonal accuracy. The low-gain audio circuit of the TEA-1 is comprised of two cascaded single-ended triode amplifiers. The circuit is a zero-feedback design, to eliminate the temporal inaccuracies that negative feedback introduces. RIAA equalization is established by a passive network between the two gain stages. Careful implementation of this fundamentally simple circuit results in extremely wide bandwidth, and low distortion, without resorting to negative feedback. Precision wound input transformers provide the additional 18 dB of gain for the high-gain inputs.
Power supply circuits present a parallel signal path to the audio circuits. Ideally this signal path is merely a zero impedance path to ground. Any deviation from this ideal is fully reflected in the audio circuits. Thus the power supplies are as important to audio performance as the audio circuits and must be accorded equal attention in design. In the TEA-1, each stage has its own discrete regulated DC power supply. These power supplies have been carefully designed for minimum impedance, even at the highest audio frequencies, to prevent the power supplies from degrading music reproduction.
The full potential of any circuit design can only be realized if executed with the highest quality parts. The audio circuits of the TEA-1 use only conrad-johnson's proprietary Teflon capacitors. In the power supplies, all capacitors are polypropylene and Teflon composites - there are no electrolytic capacitors anywhere in the audio circuits or their dc power supplies. The audio circuits and related power supplies both use high-precision laser trimmed metal-foil resistors, designed for ultra-low inductance. All parts in the TEA-1's RIAA compensation network are 1% tolerance, to assure precise tracking of the RIAA curve. Input and output connectors are gold-plated, machined oxygen free copper. Even the hookup wiring has been carefully selected for optimal audio performance.
Thoughtful engineering, specification of the finest available component parts, and painstaking care taken in production make the TEA-1 a phono equalization preamplifier without peer in music reproduction. We invite you to arrange an audition with your conrad-johnson dealer to confirm for yourself the extraordinary musical performance of these products.
Specifications
Gain: low gain input – 45 dB; high-gain input – 63 dB
Phono Overload: low-gain input – 110 mV: high-gain input – 12 mv
Phono Equalization: within +/- .25 dB of RIAA
Hum and Noise: low-gain input 82 dB below 1OmV input ; high-gain input – 80 dB below 1 mV input
Phase: phase correct
Tube Complement: 2/ 6922, 1/ 12AX7
Dimensions: 15.5D x 19W x 3.315H inches
Weight: 23 lbs.
All conrad-johnson products are carefully hand assembled and each is thoroughly tested to assure conformity to our exacting performance standards. Our confidence in these components is reflected in our three year limited warranty covering labor and parts. Service is a top priority at conrad-johnson. In the event that a product does require service, it will be handled promptly and efficiently.
C O P Y R I G H T © 1 9 9 8 -- 2 0 0 7 c o n r a d j o h n s o n
conrad-johnson design, inc. 2733 Merrilee Drive Fairfax, VA 22031
phone: 703-698-8581, fax: 703-560-5360