THE preamp is an essential, even crucial, component of any hi-fi system of separates. It can definably lend its sonic imprint to the overall results – and many audiophiles like it this way. Others, though, prefer the minimalist approach, which is having the preamp function merely as a volume control, with perhaps more than one input (and thus, necessitating a selector). Essentially, this would be a passive system, requiring no power to carry out its main chore.
If you’re not on a budget and are on the lookout for such a product with some bells and whistles, you may want to consider Townshend Audio’s new Allegri Reference, a microprocessor-controlled, passive, auto-transformer volume control (AVC) pre-amplifier that sports an LED display and comes with a remote control unit.
Note that the audio signal path is fully passive – the provided outboard power supply is for the electronics, ie, the LED display and the switching/remote functions.
The Allegri Reference has five stereo phono inputs and two pairs of balanced XLRs (in parallel with inputs 1 and 2). There’s also a 3.5mm jack socket in front, in parallel with input 5. Two sets of stereo phonos and one pair of balanced XLRs are also provided.
According to the company, the Allegri Reference “which sets a new standard in volume control performance, is a 129 0.5dB-step, reed relay switched AVC.”
“The Allegri Reference is remote-controlled, wired with point-to-point Fractal-Wire throughout and suspended on the latest Seismic Isolation. Designed with the goal of absolute signal purity, it is the optimum solution for the heart of your system. It is the ultimate, timeless, state-of-the-art, purely analogue, passive, stereo audio volume control.”
Townshend claims that this new model, replacing the earlier Allegri+, “delivers another level of sound quality… whilst unveiling previously hidden fine detail, the Allegri Reference is uniquely able to transform the entire sound-stage into a holographic-like experience… instruments, singers and the original acoustics of the venue, morph from between the speakers into a ‘real’, exciting, enjoyable performance.”
Additionally, “although the signal path is totally passive, the electronics and the display require 12V DC. A linear power supply (not switch-mode), is supplied as standard, with the appropriate plug to suit your country’s mains supply. Power and the music signal are always separate. There is no direct connection between the power supply and the signal conductors or ground.”
The case and isolating feet are made of anodised aluminium and are available in either a natural silver or black finish.
And what will such a powerhouse volume control component cost you? A mere £6,667 (plus VAT for UK residents).
£7.5K for a passive volume control. Ridiculous. Another price-gouging own-goal…
Dear Dave P, it is obvious from your comment, that you have not been exposed to the higher end of the audio market. I do not consider the brief listens one gets at hi-fi shows, as this is not usually where the various components are heard at their best. For example, the recent Ascot show where many of the rooms had one entire wall of glass and other listening areas were merely defined by hanging curtains.
But I digress. Having been fortunate enough to hear the Allegri Reference in a living room with suitable ancillary equipment, it was vastly better than a number of much more expensive preamplifiers, including one at three times the price (and very well reviewed).
Please do not make sweeping statements regarding subjects about which you obviously have no knowledge. Do you actually understand the physical and electrical properties of the various volume control types, typically in use today?
It would be better for all who are genuinely interested in getting the best sound, if you were to refrain from such daft and uneducated outbursts.
Your comment is simply not helpful to other readers. I invite you to post pictures of your system such that others may freely asses the validity of your statement.
And from one of the rooms at CAF – “The Spatial M3s did a fine job representing their breed. Powered by the 10Wpc Z10 and the highly-musical Lampizator DAC, they sang. Imagine fresh air: open, bouncy, pacey, rhythmic, free. At the show, they were selling the complete system for $9999⁸crazy-cheap for Best-in-Show-level sound” Horse for courses and all that.