LAB12 Pre1 Class-A Tube Preamplifier at Vinyl Sound Buffalo NY

The Pre1 is a Class A tube preamplifier from LAB12 (Athens, Greece), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY. Built around a matched pair of 6922 dual triode tubes and a dual mono circuit topology with four-stage per-channel regulation, it delivers a frequency response of 5 Hz to 200 kHz, a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and 21 dB of gain through a fully analog, no-feedback signal path. Five RCA inputs, one RCA output, and one XLR output accommodate both tube and solid-state power amplifiers, while a Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer, remote control, and one-minute warm-up time make the Pre1 as practical as it is musically engaging.

Class A Dual Mono Circuit with Precision Power Supply

The Pre1 is fully dual mono in its circuit implementation, with four separate voltage regulation stages per channel in the power supply ensuring that each channel operates with complete independence from the mains supply and from each other. This per-channel regulation architecture goes beyond what is typical for a preamplifier at this price point and has a direct impact on the spatial character of the Pre1's presentation, keeping the stereo image stable, precisely located, and free of the crosstalk that shared power supply designs can introduce. The 6922 dual triodes are selected and matched for parameter consistency, operating in Class A throughout their operating range. The toroidal power transformer isolates the entire circuit from mains-borne interference, and the SRSG (Separate Rails Separate Grounds) implementation maintains full separation between signal and power ground paths throughout.

Transparency, Compatibility, and Practical Operation

The Pre1's no-feedback topology and 50 kΩ input impedance make it compatible with virtually any line-level source, from CD players and DACs to phono preamplifiers and streaming sources. Its 900-ohm output impedance is low enough to drive long cable runs and a wide range of power amplifier input impedances without frequency response anomalies, and the 14V RMS maximum output provides more than adequate headroom for any line-level system gain structure. The Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer, a professional-grade component selected for its channel tracking accuracy and low noise, handles volume control with the precision the rest of the circuit demands. Remote control covers volume and input selection. One-minute warm-up from power-on brings the tubes to optimal operating temperature quickly, minimizing the gap between pressing the power switch and being able to listen at full quality.

Key Features

• Matched 6922 Dual Triode Tubes: Factory-selected and matched pair of 6922 tubes operate in Class A throughout the gain stage.
• Fully Dual Mono Architecture: Independent circuit topology for each channel, including four separate voltage regulation stages per channel in the power supply.
• No-Feedback Design: Zero global negative feedback preserves the natural dynamics and tonal integrity of the source.
• SRSG Grounding: Separate Rails Separate Grounds implementation maintains full isolation between signal and power ground paths.
• Fine Symmetry Layout: Precision circuit geometry ensures matched performance between channels.
• Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer: Professional-grade volume control with excellent channel tracking accuracy and low noise floor.
• Remote Control: Full remote operation of volume and input selection for convenient listening room control.
• Five RCA Inputs: Five line-level inputs accommodate a complete analog source system.
• RCA and XLR Outputs: Both unbalanced RCA and XLR outputs are provided for maximum amplifier compatibility.
• Toroidal Power Transformer: Dedicated toroidal transformer provides clean, isolated power to the dual mono circuit.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 5 x stereo line input (RCA)
• 1 x stereo line output (RCA)
• 1 x stereo line output (XLR)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LAB12 Pre1?

The LAB12 Pre1 is a Class A tube preamplifier from Athens, Greece, built around matched 6922 dual triodes in a fully dual mono circuit with four-stage per-channel power supply regulation. It provides five RCA inputs, both RCA and XLR outputs, a Blue Velvet ALPS volume potentiometer with remote control, a 21 dB gain, 90 dB SNR, 5 Hz to 200 kHz frequency response, and a no-feedback topology in a precision 5mm aluminum chassis with a five-year guarantee.

How does the Pre1 compare to the Don Sachs Model 2 preamplifier?

The LAB12 Pre1 and the Don Sachs Model 2 are both 6SN7-family tube preamplifiers prioritizing a natural, uncolored presentation, but they are built to different specifications and target different system configurations. The Pre1 uses 6922 tubes in a dual mono circuit with dedicated four-stage per-channel power supply regulation, five inputs, an XLR output, and a remote control, addressing both sonic and practical requirements in a single refined package. The Don Sachs Model 2 is a manually assembled point-to-point design focused on maximum signal purity in the 6SN7 tube topology, without remote control or XLR outputs but with exceptional parts quality. The Pre1 is the more complete and practical choice for listeners who want dual mono tube preamplification with remote control and system integration flexibility.

Can the Pre1 drive solid-state power amplifiers?

Yes. The Pre1's 900-ohm output impedance is low enough to drive virtually any solid-state power amplifier without frequency response anomalies or dynamic compression, including designs with input impedances as low as 10 kΩ. The 14V RMS maximum output provides substantial headroom for high-gain solid-state amplifiers, and the XLR output allows connection to balanced-input amplifiers from manufacturers such as Bryston, Pass Labs, or Parasound. The Pre1 is equally at home in all-tube systems and hybrid configurations that combine tube preamplification with solid-state amplification.

What is the warm-up time for the Pre1?

The Pre1 reaches its optimal operating temperature approximately one minute after power-on, a design priority at LAB12 that minimizes the time between switching on the system and hearing full-quality playback. During this initial period, the volume should be kept low while the tubes stabilize. For extended listening sessions, allowing an additional 15 to 20 minutes of warm-up time is beneficial, as the 6922 tubes continue to reach their final operating stability over the first portion of an operating session.

How many sources can the Pre1 accommodate?

The Pre1 provides five stereo RCA line inputs, which is sufficient for most complete analog source systems, including combinations of a CD player or DAC, a phono preamplifier, a streaming source, a tuner, and a tape deck or additional digital source. Input selection is handled by the front-panel selector or via the included remote control. All five inputs are pure line-level, so a phono preamplifier such as the LAB12 Melto2 or Melto1 is required for direct turntable connection.

Where can I buy the LAB12 Pre1 in Buffalo, NY?

The LAB12 Pre1 is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, an authorized LAB12 dealer serving Western New York and the USA. Vinyl Sound carries the complete LAB12 amplification and source lineup and can assist with system matching, in-store demonstration, and finish selection between Matte Black and Frozen Silver.