HEED AUDIO QUASAR. MM and MC Phono Preamplifier with Q-PSU (External Supply)

MM AND MC PHONO PREAMPLIFIER WITH Q-PSU (EXTERNAL SUPPLY)

Cartridge signal processing is one of the most delicate jobs in amplification. More so because it's not done by simply stepping up a few hundred microvolts to a few hundred millivolts. In fact, with this thousand times greater amplification (60 dB), the signal must be processed as cleanly and noise-free as possible. The extremely low signal level and frequency-related amplification arising from the applied RIAA equalization curve at the LP cutoff place the highest demands on the circuit topology and technical realization of a phono preamplifier.

Our award-winning QUASAR phono stage, with its unobtrusive conception and wide range of features, meets the requirements of even the best turntable/cartridge combos without being "necessarily" expensive in the usual high-end fashion. On the contrary, it represents a unique bargain at this price level and for the quality it offers.

The QUASAR is built in a dual-mono configuration from the power supply up. There are two separate amplification stages for the MM and MC cartridges, both powered from their own regulated power supply arrangement. Optimum settings for sensitivity and loading can be applied to the cartridge in use by various jumper settings on the PCB. The two separate outputs with different sensitivities make it possible for preamps or recorders to be fed through its 'Low Out', while its 'High Out' can drive power amps directly.

The output stage has enormous headroom with extremely low noise levels and, due to its low output impedance and high current delivery, can drive long patch cables without any sonic degradation.

QUASAR's upgraded power supply, the Q-PSU which can also be used as a power supply upgrade with other components such as the QUESTAR phono stage or the DACTILUS D-to-A converter, is based on a 60 toroidal transformer. VA with low power. density magnetic field and very little dispersion. This power, coupled with 40,000 µF filtering, can power the circuitry with the kind of super-clean current typically only provided by battery-based supplies, even with extreme dynamic oscillations.

Technical characteristics:

Input sensitivity(MM):

2.5 mV

Input sensitivity(MC):

100 / 200 / 600 µV (variable)

Input impedance(MM):

47 kΩ

Input impedance(MC):

100 / 470 / 1000 Ω (variable)

Output level / impedance:

775 mV (0 dBm) / < 50 Ω

Frequency response (+0, -1 dB):

3 Hz – 150 kHz

RIAA accuracy:

0.2 dB in whole range

Signal to noise ratio (A-weighted):

85 dB (MM), 78 dB (MC)

Channel separation:

> 65 dB

Headroom:

24 dB (MM), 22 dB (MC)

Dimensions (WxHxD):

9.5×7.2x25cm