lab12 PRE1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
pre1
Triode Class A Line Preamplifier
www.lab12.gr
manual v1.5

Lab12 pre1- Triode Class A Line Preamplifier
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Table of Contents
It is yours………………………………………………………………….………..3
Unpacking and warnings……………………………………..….………3, 4
Features…………………………………………………………………………..…..4
Installation & Placement…………………………………………..…………4
Front Panel………………………………………………………………..………….5
Rear Panel…………………………………………………………………………….6
Remote Control…………………………………………………………………….7
Main connections………………………………………………………………….8
For the safety of your equipment……………………………..………….8
Specifications…………………………………………………………………..……9

Lab12 pre1- Triode Class A Line Preamplifier
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IT IS YOURS!
Thank you for selecting Lab12 pre1, a high-grade audiophile Line Preamplifier. Pre1 Preamplifier was
born after two years of development. It is the first preamplifier of Lab12 products range and aims the
same exact target as all of our products; to achieve a warm, musical and -most of all- realistic sound
that remains enjoyable even after many hours of listening.
Pre1 offers five analog inputs and two preamplifier outputs (RCA & XLR), so you can easily drive a bi-
amping system or a power amplifier and active subwoofer(s) without problem. All components are
carefully chosen after hours of listening and testing, while paying great attention to every detail
affecting the outcome. As every lab12 device, pre1 has an ultra-solid construction with glass blasting
anodized finishing.
Internally we use a matched pair of E88cc tubes in a special configuration and a four stages solid state
power supply with more than enough capacity and smart filtering. Dual mono philosophy and fine
symmetry® exists in every stage of circuit and PCB and of course we use the SRSG® topology in this
gear, too.
Do not forget that your pre1 is totally handcrafted with perfectly matched parts of the finest selections.
In order to reach the optimal performance, your pre1 needs at least 150 hours of listening. In this time
all components go from “burn in” period to stable.
Before setting up your new pre1, we encourage you to thoroughly read this manual to properly
acquaint yourself with its features. We love music and audio devices; we have built your new device
with emotion and personal treatment.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version
of this manual is available on our official website at http://www.lab12.gr
Unpacking
Pre1 should be removed from its box with care. Remove all the foam protective pieces of the box
before you unpack pre1. Unpack pre1 with your hands on both sides of the device. Unpack the
Remote Control and insert the batteries in correct position.

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Warnings
No user serviceable parts are included inside. Do not unscrew the cover; high voltages remain after
disconnecting from mains. In case your device requires any kind of service or upgrade, please ship
or take your equipment directly to Lab12 or to one of our authorized dealers or other qualified
personnel.
Always use same type of fuse for replacement.
Features
•Remote control
•Toroidal power transformer
•Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer
•No feedback design
•SRSG® implementation
•Fine symmetry® implementation
•1-minute warm up time
•5mm Aluminum face panel
•Five Years Guarantee
Installation & Placement
Lab12 pre1 should be placed on a solid flat surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat source as
this could compromise the performance and reliability. You should never place another component
directly on top of this device.
Make sure that your pre1 has an adequate flow of air around it. Pre1 could be warm in some points;
this is normal and within parts’ specifications.
Take care of the front panel’s glass blasting anodized finishing using a soft dry cloth. No need to use any
sprays or polishes. Never use cleaners containing abrasives, as this will damage the surface.

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Front Panel
PRE1 Front panel
In the front panel you will see eight indication LEDs, one input selector, the volume control and the Ir
receiver.
The center LED (C) indicates that the device is powered on.
The LEDs (D) indicate that the outputs of PRE1 are active. LEDs (D) are blinking for 1 minute (tubes
warm up time) after turning on the pre1. Make sure that the volume control is in a low level within this
minute.
To the left of the 3 center LEDs, you will see the input indicators (A) and the rotary input selector (B).
You can select your desired input out of total five.
To the right of 3 center LEDs, you will see the Volume control (E). You can adjust the Volume of the
Preamplifier outputs.
Make sure that no objects are placed in front of Ir receiver (F).

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Rear Panel
PRE1 Rear panel
In the rear panel you will find the connection sockets for inputs and outputs.
On the left side there are the two pairs of preamp outputs. One RCA and one XLR (A).
On the right of the preamp outputs you will find the line inputs named 1 to 5 (B).
To the right side you will find an IEC AC input (C). Below IEC input, the main fuse holder (D) and the
Power switch (F) are located.

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Remote Control
PRE1 Remote Control Panel
You can fully control your preamplifier from IR remote control RC1.
To the top of the remote control, there are two buttons for output volume adjustment (A).
Bellow the volume buttons, you will find two buttons for input selection (B).
You can instantly mute the preamplifier output with lower left mute button (C).

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Main connections
Connect a High-Grade Power cable to the IEC input and to your wall socket. Make sure that your wall
socket provides a good ground before connecting the power cable.You can supply 230 to 240 Volts
AC /50Hz (115 to 120 AC Volts / 60Hz). (Every pre1is tuned and calibrated using the Lab12 Knack mk2
Power Cable. We strongly suggest using this cable).
Connect to your Power Amplifier
Connect the preamplifier analog output to an analog line level input to your Power Amplifier. Make
sure about the correct channel connections. We suggest using a good quality interconnect cable pair.
You can use RCA or/and XLR cables.
Connect an analog output Source
Make sure that your Source has an analog line level output. Connect an analog interconnect cable
from the source output to one of analog inputs of pre1. Select input number with the selector switch
on the left side of the front panel on your pre1.
For the safety of your equipment
! Make sure that all your equipment is turned off before any connection.
! To avoid damaging you speakers you have to turn on the pre1 some
seconds before turning on your power amplifier and turn it off some
seconds after turning off your power amplifier.

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Specifications:
•Power: 230VAC 50Hz (115VAC 60Hz)
•Power consumption: 80 VA max
•Frequency response: 5Hz to 200 kHz, +0-3dB
•Distortion: 0.04% at 2V RMS output
•Gain: 21dB
•Signal to Noise ratio: 90dB
•Maximum output: 14V RMS
•Input impedance: 50K ohm
•Output impedance: 900 ohm
•Tube complement: 2x 6922 EH dual triodes
•Inputs: 5x line stereo (RCA connectors)
•Preamp outputs: 2x line stereo (1x RCA connectors, 1x XLR connectors)
•Available Colours: Matt Black, Frozen Silver
•Dimensions (WxHxD): 43x11x29 cm
•Weight: 7 Kg
Warranty
This device has 5 years warranty for all parts (or 90-Day Limited Warranty for vacuum tubes) from the
day of purchase.