Sonic Euphoria PLC Passive Line Stage Preamplifier
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Sonic Euphoria PLC Passive Line Stage Preamplifier
SkyFi 479
479 South Broad Street
Glen Rock NJ 07452
United States
Interesting and well engineered passive preamp, utilizing autoformers to increase and decrease line volume.
About as neutral as you can get from a preamp.
From an excellent Stereophile review written by Brian Damkroger:
The Sonic Euphoria PLC is a great-sounding line stage and, at $1295 or $1995, an excellent value. It isn't completely transparent, but SE's implementation of the PLC's autotransformer lives up to its promise of avoiding the dynamic and bottom-end limitations of resistor-based attenuators. It also neatly addresses the latter's need for short cables, seamlessly handles balanced I/O, and has a luxurious look and feel that I associate with much more expensive gear. And like the Placette Remote Volume Control, its sonic performance is in a league completely different from that of any of the similarly priced active units I've heard over the years.
Specifications:
Autotransformer-based passive line stage
Inputs:
4 unbalanced line (RCA)
Outputs:
2 variable-level unbalanced (RCA)
1 fixed-level unbalanced (RCA)
Balanced version adds 2 balanced inputs (XLR)
replaces outputs with 3 balanced (XLR)
1 unbalanced (RCA)
all variable-level
Attenuation levels:
24, 2dB each
half-step switch provides 1dB offset
Voltage gain:
configurable, unity to 10dB (4dB standard)
Dimensions:
17" (435mm) W by 4" (100mm) H by 13" (330mm) D
Weight: 16–21 lbs (4.4–9.5kg), depending on configuration
add 2 lbs (1kg) for shipping weight.
Finishes:
Silver & Black
Price:
$1295 single-ended
$1995 balanced
Remote control $250
WBT RCA upgrade $40 / Pair
additional inputs/outputs $40/pair
Sonic Euphoria, 205 W. 35th Street, Suite F, National City, CA 91950
The SkyFi Testing Process for 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.
Item |
Included |
Original Box |
No |
Manual |
Online |
Remote |
N/A |
Cables |
Yes - Power |
Physical Condition |
7 |
Working Condition |
10 |
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