VRE-1C Design Highlights
Your VRE-1 is the product of many years of careful research into all aspects of
preamplifier behavior - circuit topology, parts performance, physical layout,
chassis materials, and power supply design. After many years in the audio field
dealing with equipment that colors or changes sound, I wanted to develop a
preamplifier that would impose no character of its own, acting as a transparent
window onto the original music and recording. Unlike past attempts that were
often characterized as “cold” and “analytical” sounding, my development work
has been guided by an unwavering commitment to deliver the warmth and soul of
music as it is recorded and heard in live circumstances. What I’ve achieved is a
synthesis of the best attributes of passive circuits (tonal neutrality, natural
harmonic texture, freedom from noise and active-circuit distortion) with the best
characteristics of active preamps (great dynamics, vivid clarity, wide-open
dimensionality, outstanding bass foundation and slam) as well as the relaxed
musicality of the best tube designs.
Let’s address the issue of tubes for a moment. I have experimented extensively
with tubes, both in the preamp circuitry and in the power supply. In my
experience, tubes simply cannot deliver the degree of tonal neutrality and low
noise that I demanded for the VRE-1. My goal was not to make yet another “good
sounding” preamp, but rather to deliver an absolutely transparent window onto
the original recording or master tape. Tubes simply do not fit this goal.
My listening tests led me to an exceptionally transparent JFET buffer circuit with
no gain which, when paired with my choke-filtered power supply, produces
unparalleled overall performance. When I found the right set of coupling
transformers (Lundahl on the input; Jensen on the output), the last pieces of the
puzzle fell into place and the VRE-1 was born. Its transformers act as a kind of
near-ideal load on the input and confer that magic tube-like musicality. They also
act as a “brick wall” filter against DC and RFI contamination. In addition, they
allow the VRE-1 to be configured for voltage gain (up to +6dB) if it is needed.
Thus, the VRE-1 is a “passive” preamp -- but with gain.
The Volume Control: This is the heart of any preamplifier. For many years I
relied on a custom-built, 31-step control based on a Shallco rotary switch. This
was the best sonic performance available at the time, and has only recently been
superseded by the new volume control in your VRE-1C. My goal was to create a
remote volume control that was *at least* as good as the Shallco switch version.
After a long period of research, I am happy to say that this new control actually
outperforms the Shallco, and is the first remote system in my experience to do
so. In addition, this new design gives the user far greater resolution than any
mechanical switch - 100 steps with -70dB of attenuation. I have arranged the
attenuation ladder for 1dB each at the top and bottom 10 steps, and .5dB each in
between (the majority of the useful range). Accurate balance adjustment in .5dB
10
