ZTPre vs Lab12 PRE 1
The PRE 1's output voltage is 14.0V RMS against the ZTPre's 5.0V RMS and its input impedance 50000Ω against 48000Ω. Both share output impedance (900Ω) and class (Tube).
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The Decware ZTPRE is a high-end fully differential balanced tube preamplifier designed as a dual-mono unit, derived from the streamlined circuit of the popular CSP3 preamp but doubled for balanced operation with a total of 6 dual triode tubes (6N1P or 6922). It employs quad linear power supplies—one for heaters and one for high voltage per channel—running cool with exceptional headroom and no negative feedback. The design offers exceptional transparency akin to a high-end passive preamp while animating music dynamically. Current model ZTPRE v2 is stripped for performance, hand-built to order in the USA with a lifetime warranty. It supports 1 or 3 XLR inputs (options for RCA substitution), fully adjustable XLR outputs via dual volume controls or optional remote motorized control, and output level controls per channel to match amplifier input sensitivity. Factory tube complement is 6 x 6N1P-EV or 6N1P-EB for smooth, warm sound especially with digital sources. Heater circuits use a unique high-voltage 18.9V AC supply with series-connected heaters for superior performance. No longer manufactured version existed but was discontinued in favor of this higher-level design; current model actively produced.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The PRE 1's output voltage is 14.0V RMS against the ZTPre's 5.0V RMS and its input impedance 50000Ω against 48000Ω. Both share output impedance (900Ω) and class (Tube).
The ATC-2's output voltage is 2.0V RMS against the ZTPre's 5.0V RMS, its output impedance 200Ω against 900Ω, and its weight 12 kg (26 lbs) against 7.8 kg (17 lbs). Both share class (Tube).
The CS6's output voltage is 2.0V RMS against the ZTPre's 5.0V RMS, its input impedance 47000Ω against 48000Ω, its weight 15 kg (33 lbs) against 7.8 kg (17 lbs), and its height 143.5 mm against 89 mm.
The Custom EL84 SE's output voltage is 2.0V RMS against the ZTPre's 5.0V RMS, its output impedance 8Ω against 900Ω, and its input impedance 100000Ω against 48000Ω. Both share class (Tube).
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