Tube Preamp Reviews

Tri-Vista kWP: Tube-transistor preamplifier with separate power supply. Frequency response: 20Hz-30kHz, ±0.5dB. Maximum output voltage: !w55V RMS. Maximum instantaneous output current: 20A peak-peak. Output impedance: <0.1 ohm. Line inputs: Maximum voltage gain: 12.5dB. THD+noise: <0.0027% (5V output, maximum volume). S/N ratio: >98dB ref. 1V output (at half volume, A-weighted). Input sensitivity for 1V RMS output: 240mV. Input impedance: 500k ohms. Overload margin: 35dB for rated input, maximum volume. Channel separation: !w110dB, 20Hz-20kHz, maximum volume. Channel balance error: ±0.5dB typical, 1.5dB worst case (with volume control at 8 o'clock). Phono input: Sensitivity for 1V RMS: 2.5mV MM, 350;uV MC. Overload margin: 31dB. S/N Ratio: >95dB MM,>85dB MC (both ref. 1V, at half volume, A-weighted).
Dimensions: Preamplifier: 19" W by 6.54" H by 18.58" D. Weight: 56 lbs. Power supply: 19" W by 6.54" H by 16.73" D. Weight: 55.6 lbs.
Serial number of unit reviewed: KW031 (auditioning), KW038 (measuring).
Price: $11,995.

Tri-Vista kW Monobloc: Solid-state, two-channel power amplifier with separate amplifier chassis but shared power supply (dual supplies optional). Maximum power output: 1000Wpc into 8 ohms (30dBW), 1.8kWpc into 4 ohms, 3kWpc into 2 ohms. THD+noise: 0.005% at 1kHz up to 80% power into 8 ohms; <0.005%, 20Hz-20kHz, at 12.5W into 8 ohms. IM distortion: 0.002% at 12.5W into 8 ohms. Maximum output voltage: 92V, 20Hz-20kHz; peak, 130V. Peak output current: ±200 amperes. Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, ±0dB; 10Hz-100kHz, +0/-1dB. Voltage gain: 30dB nominal. Input impedance: 31k ohms. Input sensitivity for full power out into 8 ohms: 2.92V. S/N Ratio:>124dB ref. full power out (A-weighted).
Dimensions: Amplifier: 19" W by 12.5" H by 17.7 D. Weight: 94.8 lbs. Power supply: 19" W by 6.6" H by 14.7" D. Weight: 94.1 lbs.
Serial number of units reviewed: KW037 (auditioning), KW042 (measuring).
Price: $23,995 with single power supply.

Both: Approximate number of dealers: 70. Warranty: 5 years parts & labor.
Manufacturer: Musical Fidelity Ltd., 15-17 Fulton Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 0TF, England, UK. Tel: (44) (0)181-900-2866. US Distributor: Signal Path Imports, 215 Lawton Road, Charlotte, NC 28216. Tel: (704) 391-9337. Fax: (704) 391-9338. Web: www.musical-fidelity.co.uk.