Aries Cerat Incito S Tube Preamp - Super Rare - Uses Transformer Volume Control

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This is a rare and uniquely designed preamp for those looking for innovative new ways of controlling the line stage.

This is as far out as we've seen, using a transformer volume control, zero feedback gain stage consisting of small SET amplifiers, AND a transformer coupled super triode. Just wow.

Ergononic design is also innovative, with no front mounted controls, actual NIXIE TUBES for all front displays, and absolutely stunning casework.

Condition is like new, tested and working as the day it was built.

This will ship to you complete with the remote, manual, and original wooden crate.

Notes from manufacturer:

When designing the Incito preamplifier our aim was to reference a great Einstein quote “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler” and to absorb and implement this into our current audio design mentality. With the Incito S we took this quote but with a twist, “simpler but better”.
 
Generally in audio designs simple circuits tend to work and most important sound much better. However in many cases, simple solutions come with shortcomings particularly in audio in the form of questionable measured performance.

The Incito S is a contrary statement to this ‘rule’. As with the Incito, in the heart of the Incito S preamplifier beats a zero feedback power gain stage which consists of a small SET amplifier and a transformer coupled super triode using the ultra high trans-conductance E280F.

This superb tube, which is made primarily by Siemens, is loaded with a highest quality step down transformer with reconfigurable secondary winding to support switchable gain.Switches on the back re-configure the secondary winding to switch between 20db and 14db of max gain.

This small SET amplifier can easily provide voltage swings of over 320V, stepped down to 80Vpp (or 40Vpp on the -6db configuration) while keeping transistor-like noise figures. The specially designed step down transformer provides very low output resistance and more than adequate current to drive any load down to 50 ohms! This required a robust and preferable a passively filtered power supply.
The power supply is built around the 5AR4 rectifier and uses separate double pi filtering for each channel with oversized chokes and high speed capacitors. The power transformer is encased in an external chassis, connected with a permanent umbilical cord. This design choice lead to improved noise floor figures of 20db, now well below the -110db mark.

For volume control we used the best-to-our-ears way of implementing a volume control apparatus… that is transformer volume control.

The Incito S uses the same TVC and input system of our bigger preamplifier brothers such as the Impera II. To go even further we used the same AC link proprietary technology for the biasing of the small SET amplifier. The bias circuits are controlled and monitored by the use of a variable pot and a build-in meter which ensures bias tuning of the design is both easy and intuitive.

The Incito is already a great preamplifier and it was very hard to outperformed it with a design that could fit in the same chassis and keep the weight unchanged. The Incito S is our answer to that challenge and I believe we have succeeded.
 
The SkyFi Testing Process for Tube Preamplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and transistors are checked for signs of stress or damage. Special attention is paid to the power supply which is the most common source of failure for preamps. We then power up the unit and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the low voltage output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise to get a baseline.

At this point we will lubricate and clean all switches and potentiometers (that are not sealed) with a high quality contact cleaner, and then re-test all functions for any signs of noise or scratching.

Final testing involves putting actual music through the preamplifier. We have learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to a familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage KEF speakers that we are super familiar with which will quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some preamps will then move into the listening room where they will be tested with our in-house reference system.

Please click here for detailed specifics regarding our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.