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Reference 1.1 |
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| R1.1 | ![]() |
| R1.1 | |
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Consonance Reference 1.1 tube pre-amplifier R1.1 represents the top model of Opera Audio's
current range of per-amplifiers. It is a 20dB gain line stage
pre-amplifier using improved SRPP circuit with no global negative
feedback. The equipment top uses cherry wood while equipment feet are
brass cones for improved shock absorption. Front plate is of machined
aluminum. The internal components used are among the finest
available in the world today. The potentiometer uses the single stereo
ELMA 24 position series attenuator with 46 Holco 1% precision resistors.
Apart from having excellent sonic characteristic, it guarantees the sound
stage precision at any volume level. The capacitors used for signal
coupling is both the exotic US MultiCap RTX and the Rel-Cap. Resistors
used is a combination of Holco and Chinese made precision aerospace low
temperature drift version. All connections are point to point wiring using
Kimber high purity copper hook up wire.
The circuit board acts as a support frame for the tubes and other
components and actual point to point wirings are done beneath the circuit
board. The two tubes used in the main circuit is the
fabulous sounding French RT12AU7 NOS made in the 50/60s. Due to limited
supply they are very hard to find in the market and price-wise expensive
but absolutely one of the very best. In order that users can try out
different types of 12AU7, the R1.1 is designed to use components that has
very little colored sound of their own. In this way, during tube rolling
the R1.1 can clearly show off the sound of the tube itself. A lot of
satisfaction will then be achieved by trying out other exotic tubes like
the Telefunken and Mullard. Good quality pre-amplifier calls for a good quality
power supply. The power transformer and choke is shielded from the circuit
board. A special silicon steel EI type power transformer and choke with
good high frequency response is used together with large Solen MKP
metallized polypropylene filtering capacitor. Its filtering characteristic
is very uniform across the frequency range and adds to the purity of the
sound. To reduce the microphone effect, two Pearl tube
coolers are used. Not only they are effective in reducing microphone
effect, they are also a very good heat sink which can greatly extend tube
life. Other convenient features are added like the -10dB muting switch,
which can reduce the usage of the expensive potentiometer and as a result
extends its life. |
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