Audio Research GSPre Tube Preamplifier - W/ Brand New Remote Control
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Audio Research GSPre Tube Preamplifier - W/ Brand New Remote Control
SkyFi 479
479 South Broad Street
Glen Rock NJ 07452
United States
General:
The GSPre is a beautiful, full-function tube preamplifier from Audio Research part of their prestigious Galileo (G) series. Features include a sophisticated phono stage with a variety of loading options, a total of six 6H30P dual-triode vacuum tubes (two for the phono stage and four for the line stage), and a dedicated headphone output. A dedicated headphone output is something missing from a surprising amount of modern preamps, so having one here is great.
Another great feature is its complete support for balanced connectivity, making it exceptionally versatile for integrating with high-end source components like dedicated CD players. True fully balanced XLR inputs and outputs across the board are a rare find when many units only offer balanced inputs paired with single-ended RCA outputs.
Finished with the precision you expect from Audio Research, all front-panel controls feel exceptionally solid and tactile. The industrial design allows it to blend seamlessly into modern or traditional systems, pairing effortlessly with either silver or black components.
Part of our testing process includes testing the vacuum tubes on our in house Amprex tube tester and they passed with flying colors. It appears the tubes only have 21 hours on them according to the tube counter.
In testing we really enjoyed this unit and we felt it sounded great with every bit of music we played on it. In addition, it was very quiet making it a make a great reference tube preamplifier for someone's collection.
As a bonus this particular GSPre includes a brand-new remote control which we purchased from Audio research, it still retains its original protective factory plastic.
It will be packed with care using custom packing material so it arrives safely at its new home.
SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Very light scratches on the front screen glass, Overall Excellent.
SkyFi Technical Notes:
The tubes in this unit tested very strong. The tube counter on the front of the unit reads only 21 hours. We are unsure when the counter was last reset but based on the condition of the tubes we suspect that the tubes were recently changed.
Brand Background:
Audio Research continues its dedication to unparalleled musical expression and crafting components of the highest quality and lasting value for its customers. Our long-term dedication to service is peerless in this industry (Audio Research, with few exceptions, can repair anything ever produced during its entire history). We continue to seek out new and exciting ways to make music more real and more enjoyable. More than just a name or a marketing tool, Audio Research has come to represent exceptional performance and long-term value. Experience Audio Research – experience High Definition®.
Ownership:
Single Owner
Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power, 12V Trigger, RS232
General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean
Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.
Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.
Included:
Unit, remote, manual and power cord.
Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.Specs:
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Tube Complement: Six 6H30P dual triodes used across the line stage, phono section, and power supply regulation
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Frequency Response: ±0.3 dB (2 Hz to 80 kHz) for line, ±0.1 dB RIAA for phono, and ±0.05 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz) for headphone
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Distortion (THD): <0.002% (line), <0.005% (phono), and <0.009% (headphone)
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Gain: 13.8 dB (line), 58 dB at 1 kHz (phono), and 11.3 dB (headphone)
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Impedance: Input is 150 kΩ Balanced / 75 kΩ SE with programmable phono options; output is 500Ω Balanced / 250Ω SE
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >125 dB for line, >94 dB for phono, and >110 dB for headphones
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Dimensions:
9” W x 7.75” H x 17.25” D
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Weight:
25 lbs.
Approximate Age:
2014
Link to Manual:
Click Here
Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects
Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better
Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best
Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better
Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best
Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.
When we first power on a preamplifier we connect its RCA output to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface.
The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.
We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.
Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources. If the preamp is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve. If the preamp under test has balanced inputs and/or outputs these are tested as well.
We finish up our bench testing with a listening test with our bench amplifier and reference speakers. During this test we check for hum or hiss that may not have shown up in earlier testing. We also check that all of the tone controls and filters perform as expected.
If the preamplifier has remote control functions these are also tested. Preamps with tube circuits or complicated power supply topologies are connected at our long term test rig for extended stress testing under real world conditions.
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