The Mod Squad Line Drive - Legendary Passive Preamplifier

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Unique completely passive preamplifier - no power input to intrude power noise of any type!

Check out our internal photos to see what we're talking about. Not something you come across often.

From an excerpt from a Sterophile review from April 1987 (John Atkinson, Anthony H. Cordesman):

The Mod Squad Line Drive System Control Center is a purely passive stereo switching unit with a volume and balance control, five line inputs, and additional facilities for two tape decks. It allows the audiophile to replace a preamp, with its active gain stages—and resulting coloration—with a device that introduces no distortion or coloration other than that in the wiring, switches, and controls.

Tiffany jacks are used selectively for two pairs of inputs and one pair of output jacks. The unit uses Lorlin selector switches. Wonder Wire, Wonder Solder, and Teflon-insulated LC/OFC wiring. Construction is on the battleship side, and the styling and feel are excellent

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects

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.

The Mod Squad Line Drive - Legendary Passive Preamplifier

Specifications
Passive control unit with five line-level inputs, two tape loops, and two main outputs.

Input impedance:
8200 ohms

Output impedance:
Variable according to volume-control position, reaches a maximum of approximately 2100 ohms not including impedance of selected source

Channel separation:
86dB (20Hz)
83dB (1kHz)
72dB (20kHz)

Dimensions:
16.5" W
10.75" D
2.5" H

Weight:
3 lbs

Price:
$400 (1987)
$500 (1989)
$900 (1989, Deluxe version)

Manufacturer:
The Mod Squad, Leucadia, CA 92024 (1989)
(Company no longer in existence)