Elekit TU-8450 Tube Pre-amplifier Kit with Phono Stage

Click to Zoom

The all-new Elekit TU-8450 Valve Pre-Amplifier Kit is a vacuum tube preamp kit that incorporates a solid-state phono equaliser stage, accepting both MM and MC inputs. This kit is the upgraded successor to the popular TU-8500 and is perfectly coupled with the TU-8400, matching its matt black finish.

A CR-type RIAA equaliser circuit for smooth sound quality
A CR equaliser with an op-amp is adopted. This filter uses a complex network of capacitors and resistors (CR), to attenuate different frequencies, resulting in a more accurate RIAA compensation. The op-amps used are the 2068DD installed via IC sockets, making op-amp swapping easy. The preamp supports both MM and MC cartridges. As it is an op-amp circuit, the noise floor is incredibly low.

Flat amplifier stage consisting of 12AU7
12AU7 valves are used for the line amp stage, allowing you to enjoy the sound difference by rolling 12AU7 valves from various manufacturers.

REC-OUT terminal
The pre-amp can receive three line inputs via RCA sockets (pairs), one line input via a 3.5mm stereo jack, and one phono input via an RCA socket (pair). Additionally, there is a record out via RCA sockets, useful for recording or when using an external amplifier.

Ample space for a larger coupling capacitor
The kit provides a high-quality polypropylene capacitor for the all-important decoupling capacitor; however, if you wish to upgrade to a large audio-grade part, there is plenty of room to do so. For the upgrade the value is 0.47uF 200Vdc, and the maximum size 36mm in length and 20mm in diameter.

Specifications:

Phono Equalizer Amp Stage

Input resistance: 47kΩ (MM) , 100Ω (MC)
RIAA equalization: ±0.5dB or less (20Hz-20kHz)
Max. output voltage: 7V rms (1kHz)
Gain (1kHz): 36dB (MM) , 63dB (MC)
Residual noise (IHF-A): 20uV (MM), 290 uV (MC)
Effective output impedance: Approx. 500 Ω

Flat Amp Stage

Input resistance: Approx. 50Ω (Line 1-3), Approx. 10kΩ (Line 4)
Max. Output Voltage: 17V rms
Gain (1kHz): Approx. 13.6 dB (4.8 times) (JP1 and JP2 shorted: approx. 9.5dB (3 times)
Fequency response: 5Hz - 200kHz (-3dB)
Residual noise (IHF-A): 20 uV
Effective output impedance: Approx. 600Ω

Overall