New Preamp: LS 100 and Options!

spike · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 Jul 2010, 01:13 am »

If an internal DAC is an option, wouldn't the user need options for multiple digital inputs? Just a thought?

Spike

modwright · « **Reply #21 on:** 16 Jul 2010, 04:47 am »

The DAC will accept different inputs, but only one can be used at a time. I intend to provide USB as well as SP/DIF inputs. Perhaps a simple toggle on the rear will differentiate the digital inputs.

Thanks,

Dan

modwright · « **Reply #22 on:** 25 Jul 2010, 07:24 pm »

Thank you, the key to this unit IS versability, function, aesthetics and, most importantly, SOUND!

We are all very excited about this piece and while it is NOT balanced, I believe that it will offer tremendous functionality and sonics at a price that is more affordable for all in this economy!

It is of course a perfect match for the identically priced KWA 100 amp!

Price = $3295 retail for KWA 100 amp; $3295 retail for LS 100 preamp.

Please see starting post of thread. I have updated the original post and added very preliminary photos of the enclosure to give a preview of the final look of the unit.

Sincerely,

Dan W.

AB · « **Reply #23 on:** 25 Jul 2010, 08:04 pm »

Looks great!

Does the MW logo glow blue like the amp?

modwright · « **Reply #24 on:** 26 Jul 2010, 02:32 pm »

Yes it does! Input led's light too, as they are selected. As does Balance bypass. This allows the balance feature to be useable, or bypassed.

Thanks!

Dan

zeke · « **Reply #25 on:** 5 Aug 2010, 03:19 am »

maybe i simply overlooked it, but what is the tube complement in the LS100 ?

modwright · « **Reply #26 on:** 5 Aug 2010, 06:26 am »

Tube complement:

(2)6SN7 (or CV181)
(1) 5AR4, GZ34, 5U4G, 5U4GB, 5V4G, 5V4GB. Basis of design is 5AR4.

I am confident that this unit will be WELL received. I feel that it is more musical than our 9.0SE series that has long been a well appreciated design.

Thanks,

Dan

mca · « **Reply #27 on:** 6 Aug 2010, 01:08 am »

Just curious, the KWA100 has balanced inputs, so how come the LS 100 is not a balanced design?

modwright · « **Reply #28 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 06:57 am »

The LS 100 is not a balanced design, because this is achieved by our LS 36.5. Based on feedback from dealers and distributors however, we will likely make one set of the Main outs XLR, so that balanced cables can be used between the LS 100 and KWA 100.

Because of the unique input configuration of the KWA 100 (as well as KWA 150), both XLR inputs and RCA inputs are transformer input coupled (Lundahl) and thus RCA G is common to XLR -. As such, by making XLR jacks on the LS 100, even though not fully balanced, balanced cables may be used and the effect will be the same as using RCA's.

If unclear, please don't hesitate to ask me.

Thanks,

Dan

zeke · « **Reply #29 on:** 10 Aug 2010, 07:34 am »

Does it make sense to put a XLR output connection on the LS100 if it is not a true balanced output signal ?

modwright · « **Reply #30 on:** 14 Aug 2010, 01:23 pm »

OK guys, you WILL get an XLR output on the amp!

.

I am laughing as I write this, because when in HK with a unit to debut there, EVERYONE said the same thing! It is not a balanced design, but we will make one output with XLR connectors, so that Balanced cables can be used between amp and preamp.

The KWA 100 amp has XLR inputs and RCAs and these are configured in the same way as in the KWA 150 - i.e. floated ground with RCA ground common to XLR (-). Because of this, we can add a non-balanced XLR output to the preamp and when connected to the KWA 100, it will be seen no differently than a RCA cable. Lastly, because both XLR and RCA inputs are transformer coupled into a differential circuit in the KWA 100, the sound should be the same via XLR or RCA.

Thanks!

Dan

dminches · « **Reply #31 on:** 17 Aug 2010, 12:56 am »

Why are the 36.5 and 9.0 called line stages and this is called a preamp?

modwright · « **Reply #32 on:** 17 Aug 2010, 11:49 am »

I am differentiating only because the LS 100 has built in balance control, headphone amp and upgrades for built-in sources such as phono or DAC.

In my opinion, a linestage has only input select, volume control and gain/buffering.

Really just a matter of semantics, quite honestly. The LS 100 simply has more features than its predecessors.

Thanks,

Dan

dminches · « **Reply #33 on:** 17 Sep 2010, 04:43 pm »

Dan, do you have final pictures yet?

Marco Prozzo · « **Reply #34 on:** 19 Sep 2010, 06:06 am »

Quote from: dminches on 17 Sep 2010, 04:43 pm

Dan, do you have final pictures yet?

I've got one here and will be working on photographing this weekend. I'll post something, with Dan's permission, ASAP. Check back early next week.

modwright · « **Reply #35 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 02:56 am »

Hi Marco, please feel free to post any/all that you like. A good front and rear shot would be most welcome and give people an idea of what it looks like.

Take care,

Dan

Marco Prozzo · « **Reply #36 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 06:38 am »

Quote from: modwright on 21 Sep 2010, 02:56 am

Hi Marco, please feel free to post any/all that you like. A good front and rear shot would be most welcome and give people an idea of what it looks like.

Take care,

Dan

Here's a teaser shot to tide you over until I can work on the others...

Marco Prozzo · « **Reply #37 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 07:00 am »

Oh, yeah....not to worry, this one goes to eleven too!

vintagebob · « **Reply #38 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 02:44 pm »

AudioFanKJ · « **Reply #39 on:** 21 Sep 2010, 07:21 pm »

Quote from: Marco Prozzo on 21 Sep 2010, 06:38 am

Here's a teaser shot to tide you over until I can work on the others...

Is it just my eyes getting old, or does the headphone jack actually read:

HEAPHONE