This is an excellent passive preamplifier for someone who wants to control the source or volume with little or no change to the sound. In my system the LDR3 was completely silent and very transparent, with no added noise or emphasis on any part of the music. I used it to control volume with several tube and transistor power amps and it worked perfectly with everything I tried.
It comes with an Apple remote control to change volume, balance, source and several other features like adjusting the input impedance (to work with different sources), and automatic balancing of the LDR’s to account for aging, etc.
Here is an excerpt from the Absolute Sound review of the earlier V2 version: “For many audiophiles the “best” preamplifier is the one that does the least damage to the signal. If you are one of these audiophiles, the Tortuga Audio LDR3.V2 could be your best and your last preamplifier. Sure, it may not be flashy-looking, and it’s not going to add to your system’s warmth or euphony, but if you want the ultimate in transparency you would be hard-pressed—regardless of budget—to find a preamplifier, passive or active, that delivers your music with less editorializing than the Tortuga Audio LDR3.V2.”
From the Tortuga Audio website: "The LDR3.V25 Passive Preamplifier is a remote controlled singled-ended audiophile grade passive preamp (input selector & attenuator) with 3 RCA inputs and 2 parallel RCA outputs. Being a true passive preamp it is unity gain with no amplification or buffering."
"The LDR3.V25 is an updated version of our popular LDR3.V2 model which The Absolute Sound awarded its Golden Ear Award in 2016. The updated LDR3 incorporates our new and improved V25 preamp controller that uses LDRs (Light Dependent photoResistors) for exceptional audio performance."
"Enthusiasts who value a dead quiet preamp with a deep dark background between the notes, exceptional transparency, and pleasing dynamics, will find the LDR3.V25 to be a very satisfying preamp rivaling many high end peamps at a fraction of the cost. And it comes with a simple remote control so you can relax and enjoy your music in comfort from your favorite listening spot."
Price when new $1,200. Asking price $550 shipped within US.
