[bellhead]

It looks like it does have balanced connections, since they are not an option, but I am not sure.
And how hot does it run in normal operation?
How much overhead space does it need? Thanks.

[Wayner]

The preamp will not get hot like tube power amps, but the cover will get warm to the touch, but you could keep your hand on that cover forever. There are plenty of slots in the cover to provide lots of ventilation. I would suggest leaving 2 to 3 inches of room above the unit and minimal space to the sides (they are cold) and you should be good. Probably not a good idea to have any tube equipment in a cabinet with unvented doors, but if large enough, will probably be OK.

I believe Frank can provide XLR outputs for the line out (to amp) if desired. I'm not sure if one of the RCA mains will remain (so you or someone else) can use either connector type. Frank will have to answer this question.

Wayner 

[avahifi]

Yes we can provide XLR balanced line out and still retain one set of single ended RCA line outs too.

The option cost is $250.  Because it is a special order option, we will supply it only on a "satisfaction guarantee waved" condition.

It will NOT make the preamp sound any better and is a waste of money in our opinion.  We are providing the function for those who have amplifiers that have balanced line in inputs only that won't work with single ended outputs.  Otherwise it adds nothing musically useful.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[bellhead]

Yes we can provide XLR balanced line out and still retain one set of single ended RCA line outs too.

The option cost is $250.  Because it is a special order option, we will supply it only on a "satisfaction guarantee waved" condition.

It will NOT make the preamp sound any better and is a waste of money in our opinion.  We are providing the function for those who have amplifiers that have balanced line in inputs only that won't work with single ended outputs.  Otherwise it adds nothing musically useful.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

1. Does it have XLR Inputs?
2. Are there 2 sets of single ended outputs?
Thank you again.

[avahifi]

We can provide XLR balanced line inputs on one input only.  Option cost $200 with same satisfaction guarantee limitations as above.

We can provide two sets of single ended outputs along with the XLR outputs.

Again, these options will not make your system sound better, only allow connections to equipment without single ended RCA jack provisions.

Whoops, we can provide both XLR inputs and XLR outputs only with the AvaStar preamp, not with the Ultra+.  We run out of internal real estate for the necessary extra circuit boards to provide both with the Ultra.

Frank Van Alstine