As for 2023 a new tube based, no feedback design configured in a triode cathode follower. Same configuration as the solid state preamplifier but in tube format. The Luceo preamp will offer three inputs and a remote controlled volume. You can see and hear this wonderful unit at the Montreal Audio Fest  March 2023, room 2346.

Ascent High Resolution Preamplifier

If you can't bring the artist home, clone the performance! ArtistCloner, cloning audio experiences!
''The Ascent preamp is simply amazing!'' seen at Montreal Audio Fest 2016
NEW MODEL to be announced in 2019 and will have the following different features:
  • 3 Balanced and 3 unbalanced inputs - switchable between inputs. Total of three inputs in any combination
  • 2 outputs either balanced or unbalanced
  • 0 to 6dB gain
The reference in preamplifiers! No multi-function, no conversions or endless adjustments. This preamplifier does one thing and excels at it! Uncluttered audio path with minimal parts count, no feedback, J-fet transistors, wide bandwidth and high quality parts for a deep, clear view into the musical experience. Simplicity in the design with the highest quality parts is key to preserving direct and fresh sound. With absolutely no series capacitors in the signal path and a small parts count results in the lowest sum of audio artifacts.

The Ascent preamplifier under promises and over delivers. Have an audition and hear what you have been missing.

Features

  • 8 year warranty / 3 years on moving parts
  • Music signal travels through small parts count from input to output (series signal flow: volume control, 2 resistors, 1 transistor)
  • Absolutely no series capacitor in the signal path!
  • No Feedback!
  • Wide Bandwidth (0Hz to 600Khz)
  • Dual mono design
  • Class A JFET transistors (closely mimics tubes without the upkeep)
  • Input: 3x RCA single ended pairs (up to 6 inputs are possible : inquire)
  • Output: 1x RCA single ended pair
  • Able to drive difficult loads and long cables
  • ELECTROSWITCH : open back, silver contact input selection switch
  • Best audio quality power supply caps
  • Naked Vishay resistors are used in the audio path 
  • Static and magnetically shielded custom power transformer 
  • ≥ 99.99 % Purity Annealed Copper with Red Polyurethane Polyamide Enamel audio wire
  • Neutrik input and output RCA connectors
  • No self noise
  • Extremely neutral​/natural
  • Utterly transparent​
  • ​Excels in matching different types of brands of equipment (makes them sound their best) 
  • ZERO GAIN*​
  • High Quality metal remote volume control

If not in stock, please see the delay times below ''When ordering''.

Pricing- will be announced with new model

Call 438-338-0218 or e-mail
​Specifications
  • Distortion (THD) at 1 volt typically 0.0008% - 20-20KHz
  • Frequency response: DC to approximately 600Khz​ -3db
  • Max voltage at clipping : typically 10 volts
  • Input impedence: 50 000 ohms
  • Output impedence: 300 ohms 
  • Stereo seperation: better than 100db
  • Noise Floor- below 120db
  • Dynamic range - better than 122db
  • 8 Year warranty / 3 years on moving parts
  • Unbalanced stereo preamplifier
  • 3 inputs pairs Neutrik
  • 1 output pair Neutrik
  • 4 ArtistCloner brass spikes with resting cups
  • 4 Artistcloner rubber feet
  • 1 regular power cord
  • High Quality metal remote volume control
Measurements below taken on ArtistCloner Ascent Preamp. The white line is the measurement instrument's maximum resolution while the green line is the Ascent preamp. Obviously the limits of the measuring instrument have been reached and the  preamp seems to want to push past the maximum resolution of the measuring instrument. In other words; it probably performs better than stated.
Picture
Noise Floor
Picture
Dynamic range
To put things into perspective: ''Digital audio at 16-bit resolution has a theoretical dynamic range of 96 dB, but the actual dynamic range is usually lower because of overhead from filters that are built into most audio systems." ... "Audio CDs achieve about a 90-dB signal-to-noise ratio. Digital audio with undithered 20-bit digitization is theoretically capable of 120 dB dynamic range. 24-bit digital audio calculates to 144 dB dynamic range. Threshold of pain from 120–140 dB SPL'' Referenced: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range​
*ZERO GAIN - There is more than enough gain in most amplifiers to not necessitate yet more amplification from the preamplifier. Most listening session levels throw away (by sending it to ground) much of the signal coming out from the source. The nominal output of a CD player is around 2 volts which is more than enough to push almost any amplifier into clipping (clipping = amplifier limit). Zero gain also brings the advantage of not raising the noise floor through amplification as seen on the noise floor graph.
When ordering
If not in stock; be aware that the delivery time for your ArtistCloner preamplifier is approximately 45-60 days. No robot is assembling this preamplifier. There are typically 68 man hours in North America to create this superb preamplifier. We stress test the preamplifier for 75 hours (not counted in the 68hrs) and remeasure its performance. We will communicate with you (e-mail) at every stage of its creation until the preamplifier is delivered to you. The warranty is date of manufacture.