UK-based audio manufacturer Avid Hifi has launched a new preamplifier called the Celsus Pre. The Celsus Pre claims to incorporate the technology of its flagship Reference Pre preamplifier in a more affordable package. While the Celsus Pre is purely analog, without an onboard DAC, the designers have incorporated a phono stage. The power supply is housed in a separate enclosure.
Avid Hifi Celsus Pre: preamplifier with balanced topology
The Celsus Pre preamplifier features a fully balanced topology to faithfully preserve and protect the delicate signal being transmitted. Each input and output is optionally XLR or RCA. While most turntables do not have an XLR output (a turntable cartridge is by definition unbalanced), the Celsus Pre has an XLR input for turntables so you can take full advantage of the balanced output of a turntable.
Because the amplifier topology is fully balanced, the manufacturer has incorporated the Pulsare II phono stage, with its exceptionally low noise and distortion. Convenient front-panel controls operate relays for each adjustment, ensuring the valuable signal never leaves the main circuit board. This provides quick adjustments and the ability to connect two cartridges simultaneously, ideal for users who wish to connect both a stereo and a mono cartridge.
Why connect mono? Mono can be selected to help reduce distracting background noise. This can be a factor with some vinyl records, and older records are often recorded mono. 78 rpm records are, by definition, recorded mono. A subsonic filter further reduces unwanted low frequencies that can be transmitted to the power amplifier through warped records.
In addition, there are effectively four line inputs, i.e. 2 x XLR and 2 x RCA, for additional sources. Two sets of main outputs (1 x XLR and 1 x RCA) are available for driving power amplifiers.
The external power supply, with its large 500VA mains transformer and dual capacitor reserve, gives the sound impressive dynamics and control. The Celsus Pre uses the factory-wound film capacitors with polypropylene dielectric, originally developed for the Reference Pre.
With an obsession for perfection in the power supply and main circuitry, Avid Hifi insisted that poor volume control wouldn’t limit performance. There’s no remote control engine to compromise performance with field effects and digital circuitry that could degrade the peaks and highs. Using the exact same ALPS RK50, the “king” of volume controls as the Reference Pre, according to the designers, the reward is a breathtaking experience of realism.
The Celsus Pre Amplifier opens the door to exploring the detail and realism of a music collection. Music can be an addictive drug, and the Celsus Pre Amplifier will keep you hooked until the wee hours of the morning, according to Avid Hifi .
Pricing and delivery information have yet to be announced.
