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Estimated price (community-sourced)
The Shiny Eyes EML-20A DHT Reference Dual Mono Preamplifier is a single stage preamplifier designed for the most demanding audiophiles. It uses the Emission Labs EML20A mesh tube, known as one of the lowest distortion tubes ever built, providing a gain of 14dB (5x). The preamp delivers 10Vrms output from a 2Vrms source with a low output impedance of 375 ohms and measured total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.02% at 10Vrms output, dominated by second harmonic distortion. The design features a separate power supply chassis with Lundahl transformers and chokes, a hybrid rectification scheme, and a screened 6-foot umbilical cord for low noise and high signal-to-noise ratio. The filament supply is on a separate board with its own transformer, and there is an additional DC supply for volume remote control and output delay. The main preamplifier uses a self-biased EML20A tube loaded on a Monolith Amorphous Core LTA 01/25mA line output transformer wired 4:1. The input is DC coupled, and the output is transformer coupled, with no coupling capacitors or negative feedback. Volume control is implemented via a Tortuga Audio ePOT V3 mini with OLED display and Apple remote, offering either LDR or discrete stepped attenuator modules. This preamplifier is noted for its simplicity, excellent sound quality, and extremely low distortion characteristics.
Amplification power output and characteristics
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The LA150 MkII's thd is 0.100% against the EML-20A DHT Dual Mono's 0.020%, its output impedance 400Ω against 375Ω, its output voltage 5.0V RMS against 10.0V RMS, and its input sensitivity 1.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS.
The PRE32's thd is 0.003% against the EML-20A DHT Dual Mono's 0.020%, its output impedance 110Ω against 375Ω, and its input sensitivity 1.0V RMS against 2.0V RMS. Both share output voltage (10.0V RMS).
The SP11 MkI's thd is 0.005% against the EML-20A DHT Dual Mono's 0.020%, its output impedance 250Ω against 375Ω, and its output voltage 2.0V RMS against 10.0V RMS. Both share input sensitivity (2.0V RMS).
The C500's thd is 0.050% against the EML-20A DHT Dual Mono's 0.020% and its output impedance 220Ω against 375Ω. Both share output voltage (10.0V RMS).
Balanced Audio Technology VK-50SE
Audio Research Corporation REF 5
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