Passive pre-amplifiers do not amplify the musical signal. Their purpose is to allow selection and attenuation of two or more inputs without - crucially - leaving any imprint whatsoever on the musical signal.

At Musical Laboratory* we have been able to approach this ideal through the clever application of a classic, ultra minimalist circuit whereby the musical signal passes through just one audio resistor from the input to the output.

With Revision 2.3 we completely rewired the device using our proprietary Silver Gold foils, to give a natural heft to instruments and vocals, as well as deeper bass extension.

Our passive pre-amplifier was based on the following design goals :

• It should continue the tradition of our mono-block amplifiers and be aesthetically pleasing.
• Use as short a signal path as possible through the device.
  We achieved both these goals using some lateral - out-of-the-box - thinking, by placing the control knobs and switches inside the box.

Other design goals were:

• It should allow attenuation of the input - rather than output - signals to facilitate SPL (volume) matching of sources - a necessary condition for performing A-B comparisons.
• Use of an ultra minimalist shunt design where the signal only passes through 1 audio resistor from the input to the output (2)

The minimalist circuitry is housed inside a lacquered box decorated with an iridescent Abalone mother of pearl design of Paeonia (1). The lid can be lifted allowing access to the preamplifier switches and volume controls. The combination of high quality components, the short signal path, limiting the metal-metal boundaries to just silver, and use of a complete air-dielectric in the signal path allowed us to create a device which allows switching and volume control over 2 inputs while leaving the least possible imprint on the musical signal.

Features include :
• Input 1/ Mute / Input 2 toggle switch control
• Audio Note chrome-plated brass volume controls
• Holographic counterfeit protection
• Vishay Sfernice P11s used in shunt - fake law configuration
• 2 x solid silver RCA input connections
• 1 x solid silver RCA output connections or 2 x RCA output connections (ML1401A)
• Silk insulated Silver Gold wiring throughout the device
• RoHS compliant

ML1401

Preamplifier

2750 USD

1. Paeonia or peony is the only genus in the flowering plant family Paeoniaceae found in Asia and Japan - often referenced in the works of Masaoka Shiki (see Links)
2. Note that negative sounding potentiometers are not in the direct signal path.

Based on the classic and legendary sounding LM3875 power op amp - first introduced to the audiophile community in the form of the 47 Labs Gaincard - we at Musical Laboratory* continually strive to push the musical envelope.

Bosangwha Revision 2.3 is our latest advancement, taking the Gainclone concept to a new level of musical performance. 

Each mono-block is housed inside a black lacquered wooden box, which has been elegantly decorated with iridescent Abalone mother of pearl designs of bosangwha blossoms (the imaginary Buddhist flower) and whorls of the vine. Inside there is a minimalist incredible sounding circuit, enhanced with high-quality audio parts. Features include:

• 2 x elegant mother of pearl mirrored monoblock enclosures
• Orange LED power indication
• Holographic counterfeit protection
• High-speed PCB substrate
• Next-generation audio resistors used in the signal path
• MuMetal shielding
• DC Offset protection
• Proprietary high-purity Silver Gold foils using air dielectric in the signal path.
• New upgraded child-proof locks and hinges
• 18 ultra hi-fidelity Watts per channel (18 WPC) with Mono PS
• Low mass non-metallic non-magnetic speaker terminals
• RoHS compliant

ML1301

Monoblocks (pair)

Mono PS - 3300 USD (stereo pair)

Read about our power supplies here.

]]> http://www.musical-laboratory.com/mono-block-amplifier/feed/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/power-supplies/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/power-supplies/#comments Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:19:49 +0000 admin http://www.musical-laboratory.com/power-supplies/ Both of Musical Laboratory*’s power supplies employ modern SMPS technology to deliver extremely regulated and noise-free power, compared to traditional mains transformer based supplies. When used in conjunction with the LM3875 at specific voltages, the sound of our amplifiers literally blossom, offering great intimacy in their delivery, airiness in the separation of instruments, and palpable sonic images set against a deep black sound-stage.

Note that both SMPS modules are switchable and can operate in the range 110 - 130 VAC or 220 - 240 VAC, for worldwide use.

ML1301-1 Mono SMPS

This is our entry-level SMPS module and is designed to power the Bosangwha monoblocks, our reference amplificaton system. The “Mono” SMPS housed in a sleek aluminum case. All internal wiring is implemented using Teflon™ insulated military specification silver-coated copper wiring.  A 3-stage mains isolation circuit is employed after the mains switch which prevents any unwanted switching noise from being conducted back into the electricity supply. Connection to the mono-block amplifiers is via two silver shielded umbilical power cords - one per channel - using military specification cable and state-of-the-art gas-tight power connections.  This power supply module can drive the Bosanwhas at 18 WPC and is suitable for those systems using full range driver or high-sensitivity ( >= 96 dB) speaker systems.

ML1301-2 Dual SMPS

Similar in styling to the Mono SMPS,  the Dual SMPS uses a purpose-built specifically audio SMPS, which we collaborated on.  This state-of-the-art SMPS is designed to drive the Maedeups to 38WPC into 8 Ohms.  Prior to the introduction of the Maedeup, the magic of the Bosangwhas were only available to those of our customers with high-sensitivity speakers (>=93 dB).  However, with the introduction of the Maedeups, the Musical Laboratory* sound can now be enjoyed by customers with standard-sensitivity speakers (>=90 dB), With the levels of current the Dual is capable of delivering, we do not recommend using the Dual with 4 Ohm speakers. Speakers should ideally present an 8 Ohm load to the amplifier.

The Maedeup amplification system can be used by both groups of customers, and we recommend its use, as it is our premium reference amplification system. 

 

]]> http://www.musical-laboratory.com/power-supplies/feed/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/amplification/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/amplification/#comments Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:57:17 +0000 admin http://www.musical-laboratory.com/amplification/

ML1301

At Musical Laboratory* we believe that musical equipment should not only connect you with your music but should also look aesthetically pleasing. We wanted to create pieces that harmonize with - or enhance - the listening space.

Our Less is More philosophy extends to our choice of enclosures, as we try to make components as unobtrusive as possible. Therefore rather than relying on standard full size metal boxes, we try not limit ourselves in the choice of materials or in the shape of enclosures we use. In fact we try to fit the enclosure to the circuit design rather than vice-versa.

This is another factor which differentiates our components from those of the mass producers.

Another feature is the power section of our amplifiers in which Teflon insulated heavy gauge solid core silver wire is used throughout. This is something you will hardly ever find in commercial audio components.

Finally, as regards the all important signal path, an air dielectric is maintained over vanishingly thin silver and silver/ gold conductor foils. Incredible thinness, as we explain elsewhere, is crucial in this area of the design if sharp focus and clarity of sound are objectives.

ML1301

]]> http://www.musical-laboratory.com/amplification/feed/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/free-mini-jack/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/free-mini-jack/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2008 04:38:21 +0000 admin http://www.musical-laboratory.com/free-mini-jack/ Use one of these gold-plated audiophile grade RCA - Mini-Jack adaptors with our ML Silver or Silver Gold Foil interconnects and turn your Mac or PC into a high-end jukebox.

Free with ML1011, ML1021

]]> http://www.musical-laboratory.com/free-mini-jack/feed/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/bnc-rca-adaptor/ http://www.musical-laboratory.com/bnc-rca-adaptor/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:44:12 +0000 admin http://www.musical-laboratory.com/bnc-rca-adaptor/ Use one (or two) of these with our ML Silver-plated Digital Cable to guarantee a true 75 Ohm digital connection if your components have RCA digital outs.

Free with ML1201

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