Gain: 1 (0dB)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-500KHz, -3dB

THD: <0.0002%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 4V RMS 

IMD: <0.0002%, CCIR 

SNR: >129db, A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS 

 

Gain: 4 (12dB)

Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, -0.1db, 3Hz-300KHz, -3dB 

THD: <0.0004%, 20Hz-20KHz, at 4V RMS 

IMD: <0.0004%, CCIR 

SNR: >123db, A-weighted, referenced to 4V RMS 

 

 

 

Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 1W RMS per channel
Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 1W RMS per channel (yes same as 32 ohms)
SNR: >123db, unweighted, referenced to 2V RMS
Crosstalk: >-90dB
Output Impedance: 0.25 ohms

 

All specifications limited by APx555 analyzer capability

 

Topology: Nexus™; current feedback with nested differential stages; discrete summed single-ended outputs with high-current headphone capability; intelligent headphone oversight and protection

Input Impedance: 10K ohms

Output Impedance: 75 ohms SE, 600 ohms balanced

Crosstalk: >110dB typical all modes

Inputs: 2 XLR pairs plus 3 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote

Outputs: 1 XLR pair plus 2 RCA pairs, selectable via front switch or remote 

Volume Control: relay-switched stepped attenuator with discrete thin-film resistors, 128 0.625dB steps

Power Supply: One 48VA transformer with dual series regulated +/-32V rails with Quietude™ topology; plus regulated 5VDC for microprocessor 

Power Consumption: 22W typical

Size: 16” x 8” x 2” 

Weight: 11 lbs

 

Fully discrete like fully discrete should be (that is, simple, highly linear, low overall loop gain, low overall feedback), plus egregiously high op-amp-destroying rail voltages, plus our unique Nexus™ topology, a fully balanced, differential current-feedback schema with dual high-impedance terminals, unlike a typical Supersymmetry or instrumentation amplifier topology.

 

Cool. Let’s leave it as “it measures great without a ton of feedback.”

 

We don’t like using feedback as a bandaid for a nonlinear gain stage. But that’s, like, our opinion, man. Other have other opinions.

 

Yes. You’re an observant one, aren’t you?

 

Because you shouldn’t have to buy a headphone amp if your primary system isn’t about headphones. It’s totally fine if you listen to headphones only occasionally. So, in the same way that our headphone amps have preamp outs too, we decided to add a headphone out to our Kara preamp.

 

Nope! It’s actually exactly the same discrete gain stage we use for Kara’s single-ended outputs. We also included headphone detection and headphone fault sensing to make sure your headphones and the preamp are both safe. Heck, that was most of the firmware work on this one!

 

Cool, let’s break it down.

They’re totally different preamps. If you want a tube preamp with a lot of flexibility (including differential buffer mode, and the ability to run LISST solid-state tubes), that’s your preamp. Otherwise Kara costs less, doesn’t use tubes that wear out, and gives you a headphone jack.

  

If you have only one source, and it has a volume control, maybe you don’t need a preamp. But if you have a system with more than one source, and you want convenient remote input switching and remote volume control, a preamp is a good idea. You can also pair it with our DACs for convenient remote volume control, since our preamps don’t cost like the total debt of a small nation-state.

 

Absolutely. Because even before the excuse du jour of “inflation,” audio pricing has gotten really stupid. Go ahead. Start looking at preamps that use a sophisticated, perfectly-matched relay-switched stepped attenuator instead of a volume pot, and you’ll quickly come to the conclusion that Kara is in a class by itself. That is, a class with a three-digit price tag, not a four-digit price tag (that doesn’t start with, like “5,” either.)

 

That’s cool. We like smart design and efficient construction that make great sound affordable to more people. But if you literally have $100 bills hand-stitched into toilet paper so you can wipe your butt in wretched excess, then by all means, find something that costs more. Just don’t think it’ll automatically be any better. 

 

Yes, no problem. Just don’t expect it to convert single-ended to balanced or anything like that. It is, after all, passive.

 

Right. Nexus converts single-ended inputs to balanced inherently, since it’s a differential in, differential out gain stage. In Kara, it also provides two levels of gain: 1 (like a buffer) or 5 (for systems that need more gain.)  

Unlike a typical potentiometer, a relay-stepped attenuator gives you perfect channel matching down to the lowest level of the volume knob. It also makes cool clicking noises when you turn the knob. In our minds, this is the best way of doing volume control. There’s only a couple of thin-film resistors in the signal path at all times, rather than a potentiometer wiper. And it doesn’t use a “volume control chip,” which we believe proper only to cheap receivers. But then again, a lot of people think we’re crazy. 

 

Then consider Saga. Or one of our headphone amps, if you have a simple system. They all have great preamp outputs, from Magni on up.

 

In Norse mythology, Kara was a Valkyrie—as in, she was tasked with transporting the warriors who died in battle to Valhalla. And if you’ve ever battled difficult audio gear, maybe you’re ready for a well-deserved celebration with Kara.