Analog Electronics

SE PRE-1S

SE Audiophile Hi-Fi Preamplifier |

The SE PRE-1S combines state-of-the-art analog amplification with wear-free solid-state switching technology for high accuracy, low distortion, and low noise. Based on high-quality integrated operational amplifiers, a sophisticated yet puristic circuit design and PCB layout were engineered to ensure outstanding audio performance.

The SE PRE-1S offers four unbalanced RCA stereo inputs and two balanced XLR stereo inputs. Four operating modes — Direct, Direct + EQ, Direct + Tilt, and Direct + EQ + Tilt — combine Pro Audio and High-End listening requirements.

The unique Tilt filter allows the tonal balance of difficult recordings to be adjusted in small 0.3 dB steps across the full frequency range. While the tonal balance changes, the 1 kHz center frequency remains unchanged.

All front-panel switches, from input selection to volume control, are high-quality mechanical switches that generate command signals for the internal solid-state switches in the audio path. This allows low distortion, low noise, high precision, and long durability.

The 64-step precision volume control provides 78.75 dB of total damping in 1.25 dB steps, with ±0.3 dBr absolute damping accuracy and ±0.05 dBr channel synchronization. Volume adjustments occur at the signal zero crossing for each channel to avoid switching noise.

The powerful output stage with low output impedance ensures reliable amplifier drive with a wide range of cable choices. The unit features a universal power supply and includes remote control for Volume, Mute, and Power.

Key Features

  • State-of-the-art analog amplification with wear-free solid-state switching technology
  • Sophisticated yet puristic circuit design and PCB layout
  • Four unbalanced RCA stereo inputs and two balanced XLR stereo inputs
  • Four operating modes: Direct, Direct + EQ, Direct + Tilt, and Direct + EQ + Tilt
  • Unique Tilt control for tonal balance adjustment in 0.3 dB steps
  • 1 kHz center frequency remains unchanged when using Tilt
  • High-quality mechanical front-panel switches controlling solid-state switches in the audio path
  • 64-step precision volume control
  • Zero-crossing volume adjustment to avoid switching noise
  • Powerful output stage with low output impedance
  • Remote control for Volume, Mute, and Power

Price

$19,995.00
USD Pricing applicable to the U.S. market.
Shipping and taxes calculated at checkout.
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Technical Specifications

RCA Inputs 4 unbalanced RCA stereo inputs
RCA Input Gain 6 dB
RCA Input Impedance 47 kΩ
XLR Inputs 2 balanced XLR stereo inputs
XLR Input Gain 6 dB
XLR Input Impedance 100 kΩ balanced; >100 kΩ common mode (10 Hz – 20 kHz)
XLR Input CMRR -80 dB at 1 kHz
XLR EQ Loop Input Balanced input, 6 dB gain
XLR EQ Loop Input Impedance 100 kΩ balanced; >100 kΩ common mode (10 Hz – 20 kHz)
XLR EQ Loop CMRR -80 dB at 1 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >110 dB referenced to 1 V, 20 Hz – 20 kHz; typically >120 dB referenced to 1 V; typically >124 dBA referenced to 1 V
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (-10 dBV Reference) >100 dB, typically 110 dB, typically 114 dBA, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
RCA Frequency Response +0 dB / -0.1 dB, 24 Hz – 60 kHz; +0 dB / -1 dB, 8 Hz – 160 kHz
XLR Frequency Response +0 dB / -0.1 dB, 24 Hz – 27 kHz; +0 dB / -1 dB, 8 Hz – 90 kHz
RCA Input Distortion Maximum gain, nominal input -10 dBV at 1 kHz: THD RCA out <0.0002%; THD XLR out <0.0003%
XLR Input Distortion Maximum gain, nominal input +4 dBu at 1 kHz: THD RCA out <0.0003%; THD XLR out <0.0003%
RCA Output Impedance 22 Ω
XLR Output Impedance 44 Ω
RCA Output Voltage Maximum ±2.4 Vp; nominal -10 dBV
XLR Output Voltage Maximum ±11 Vp; nominal +4 dBu
Volume Control 64 steps, 1.25 dB damping per step
Total Damping 78.75 dB
Damping Accuracy ±0.3 dBr absolute damping accuracy over 0 to -78.75 dB
Channel Synchronization ±0.05 dBr difference between left and right
Switching Point Volume adjustment occurs at the signal zero crossing for each channel to avoid switching noise
Power Supply 100–270 Vrms, 50–60 Hz
Power Consumption 16 W typical, 25 W maximum
The SE PRE-1S is a purist signal-management system engineered for absolute transparency and long-term stability. By combining high-performance analog amplification with wear-free solid-state switching, the architecture eliminates the signal degradation and noise floor variability inherent in traditional mechanical potentiometers. The internal topology is optimized for high-density, low-interference routing. Using precision-matched integrated op-amps and a custom PCB layout, the circuit achieves exceptional phase linearity and an ultra-low noise floor (up to 124 dBA). All front-panel controls function as low-voltage command triggers, ensuring the critical audio path remains electrically isolated from the user interface. Precision is central to the design: the 64-step volume array (1.25 dB per step, 78.75 dB total damping range) operates exclusively at the signal zero-crossing to prevent switching artifacts, with channel synchronization of ±0.05 dBr. Complemented by a high-current output stage with ultra-low impedance (22 Ω RCA / 44 Ω XLR), the SE PRE-1S maintains total transient integrity across any cable length or input load. This is a reference-grade interface built for clinical precision and consistent performance over years of intensive use.
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