Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Audio Valve Germany Eklipse Preamplifier (Tube) by paulyjvl@ntlworld.com

Model:	Eklipse
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3800
Description:	4-12au7 vacuum tube duo mono preamplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Audio Valve Germany
Model Picture:	View

Review by paulyjvl@ntlworld.com ( D ) on November 14, 2004 at 02:47:22
IP Address: 81.108.193.55

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for the Eklipse

This is the newest current preamp from Audio Valve as of 11-11-04.

When the preamplifier arrived ,it came packed in a wooden crate with

several screws holding the cover shut. Once I managed to get the lid off .

I gazed at the unit, is is all of 40+ lbs, and a beautifull glossy black

with solid brass knobs and trim. the untit is build like a tank, it is a pure class A design , with duo mono constructions for both channels.

the unit comes tested with 50 hours on it from the factory ,the unit

at startup the orange led blinks for 60 seconds before clicking in to avoid any flair ups,this is a softstart.The relays are all microprosessor

controller for accuracy. The unit takes about 45 minutes to properly warm up. The sound continued to get better for another 100 + hours to fully run in.The sound was just a hair on the fuller side of neutral. WHich is a good thing in many cases ,considering most cds are poorly mixed and are a little on the bright side .detail was very good and the voices were excellent , the bass was full and had much better than average midbass

detail without sounding over blown .I am using a Bluecircle solidstate amp for a compliment for this preamplifier.

Now to make this preamplifier better sounding you should do this with all

preamplifiers , first trash the junk tubes that come with the untit.

Which are sovtec The vintage Telefunken ,and Rca, are used here , Mullard ,and Older Amperex are also good depending on taste .

Looking from the front the 2 left outside tubes are the input tubes and make the most difference. then the power cord ,a good after market cord DH labs for the money I have found , also Herbies tube dampers make a big difference for microphonics,and are not that expensive.

this should be done to any pereamplifier -amp.This made this very good soundiong preamp ,a excellent one . it is funny some preamps will sound better manybe 10% ,a lot has to go with the design circuitry. this pre a

15%+ bonus ,I listened to this against the C.A.T ultimate, the cat had a little better detail at the extremes, the mid bass was a little better on the Audio Valve with solid state equipment ,the Eklipse sounded wonderfull.with valves amps also excellent ,the difference is what tubes you choose to change the sound only in vintage .As far as where to buy

great vintage tubes at a fair price there is only one . Vintage tube services ,he is the most honest and knowledgeable guy out there .

Most guys know very little ,but talk a good game and charge big moneys.

this preamp replaced my freinds CJ premeir17L inhis system.

I am very happy with this unit it has the circuitry that allways keeeps the plate voltages in optimum range ,and has a generator

with just the touch of a switch for cleaning the contacts once a week .

in the $ 4-5 k range this is a no brainer. next is the baby baldur amps.

p.s the review IN positive feedback. Was used with a tube amp and the reviewer did not take the time to find out what workd best with the preamp .I spend over 6 hours with the cat and eklipse just to find out

what tubes complimented the unit.

Product Weakness: remote should be metal ,but worked great
Product Strengths: excellent sound ,looks and build quality.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Blue circle 22mk2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Eklipse, -C.A.T ultimate
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Audio Logic MXL-24 dac
Speakers:	Merlin tsmmm, Jean Marie Reynaud
Cables/Interconnects:	Audienceau-24, Dh labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Various
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Echo Busters
Time Period/Length of Audition:	part of personal systems
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Alner Hamblin
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	remote should be metal ,but worked great
Product Strengths:	excellent sound ,looks and build quality.