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The Von Gaylord Audio LAD-L1 Mk IV is a Class A line-level tube preamplifier using 2 x 5814A (12AU7 military variant) tubes in the driver stage. It provides three line-level inputs labeled CD, Tuner, Auxiliary, plus additional tape monitor and A/V connectivity depending on configuration. The unit is single-ended only, with gold-plated RCA jacks, a front panel source selector, tape/monitor and mute switches, and a manual volume control without remote. It is designed for pure Class A operation and very low noise, offering a specified frequency response of 10Hz to 85kHz and signal-to-noise ratio greater than 102 dB for clean, detailed reproduction. Typical published specifications list input sensitivity of 120mV with 2V output and total gain around 15-30 dB, with chassis dimensions close to 19.5" W x 4.25" H x 9.5" D and weight in the roughly 22-30 lb range, depending on version. The LAD-L1 Mk IV is noted in reviews for its neutral, fast, and grain-free presentation, making it suitable for listeners seeking accurate, vivid sound without added coloration.
Analog signal output specifications
Input and output connections
Size, weight, and appearance
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The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The LS17SE's signal-to-noise is 109 dB against the LAD-L1 IV's 102 dB, its weight 13.9 kg (31 lbs) against 13.6078 kg (30 lbs), and its width 480 mm against 495.3 mm. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The LS2's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the LAD-L1 IV's 102 dB, its weight 5.9 kg (13 lbs) against 13.6078 kg (30 lbs), and its width 480 mm against 495.3 mm. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The LS26's signal-to-noise is 100 dB against the LAD-L1 IV's 102 dB, its weight 7.5 kg (17 lbs) against 13.6078 kg (30 lbs), and its width 480 mm against 495.3 mm. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
The Reference 5SE's signal-to-noise is 109 dB against the LAD-L1 IV's 102 dB, its weight 13.8 kg (30 lbs) against 13.6078 kg (30 lbs), and its width 480 mm against 495.3 mm. Both share output voltage (2.0V RMS).
Audio Research Corporation REF 5
Audio Research Corporation LS25
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