Auralic
Auralic Taurus Pre Headphone/Pre Amp
Best dual-purpose amplifier for audiophiles seeking refined, high-fidelity sound.
Experience exceptional audio with the Auralic Taurus Pre, a versatile headphone amplifier and preamplifier renowned for its outstanding sound quality that rivals high-end equipment. Housed in a sleek, machined aluminum chassis, it offers robust performance with low distortion and high dynamic range. Featuring both RCA and XLR analog inputs, it seamlessly integrates into your audio setup, providing clean power for headphones and a refined signal for your main system. This unit comes complete with essential accessories and original packaging, ensuring a premium listening experience.
$799.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
53
/ 732
#53 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-43%
Below average
Frequency Response
3300320200.1
/ Hz - KHz, +/- dB; Hz - KHz, +/- dB
Who it's for
- System builders needing a versatile, high-performance analog preamp
- Audiophiles seeking rich, natural, and highly detailed sound reproduction
- Owners of power-hungry planar magnetic or high-impedance headphones
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners shopping for entry-level or mid-tier audio gear
- Users with limited shelf space or poor ventilation setups
- Listeners wanting an all-in-one solution with integrated digital inputs
Performance breakdown
Signal Clarity
Ultra-low distortion ensures a transparent, noise-free listening experience.
Dynamic Range
Captures the full breadth of musical transients with effortless precision.
Build Integrity
Machined aluminum chassis provides a robust, vibration-resistant foundation.
System Versatility
Seamlessly bridges high-end headphone listening with main speaker amplification.
Power Delivery
Clean, stable current drives demanding headphones with authoritative control.
Input Flexibility
Balanced and unbalanced options accommodate a wide range of source gear.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
3Hz - 300KHz, +/- 3dB; 20Hz - 20KHz, +/- 0.1dB
THD+N
<0.001%, 20Hz-20KHz
Dynamic Range
>130dB, 20Hz-20KHz, A-weighted
Input Ports
3 x RCA, 1 x XLR
Output Ports
1 x RCA pre-amplifier out, 1 x XLR pre-amplifier out, 2 x 6.35mm headphone out
Weight
4.4kg
Dimensions
33cm W x 23cm D x 6.5cm H
Amplifier Technology
Solid State
Features
- Dual functionality as pre-amp and headphone amp
- Exceptional sound quality for its class
- Robust machined aluminum build
- Low distortion and high dynamic range
- Versatile analog input selection
- Includes remote, manual, and original box
- Fully tested and functional
- Clean audio foundation for discerning listeners
What customers say
The Auralic Taurus garners acclaim as a reference grade component delivering exceptional sonic performance. Users consistently praise its remarkable power and control, effortlessly driving demanding headphones while maintaining a clean, detailed, and dynamic sound signature. The audio reproduction is described as transparent and musical, ensuring long listening sessions remain highly enjoyable without harshness. Its dual role as a high-performance headphone amplifier and pre-amplifier adds significant value to high fidelity setups. Build quality is noted as robust and premium. While positioned in the premium category, the consensus is that the superior audio fidelity, clarity, and soundstage depth fully justify the investment for serious listeners seeking a foundational upgrade.
Know before you buy
Yes, the unit is designed for dual functionality. It can drive your headphones while simultaneously sending a signal to your power amplifier or active speakers via the rear RCA or XLR outputs.
Yes, the Taurus Pre features an XLR input for balanced sources and provides balanced pre-amplifier outputs. While the headphone outputs are 6.35mm, the internal circuitry maintains a high-performance signal path.
Yes, the Taurus Pre includes adjustable gain settings, allowing you to optimize the output for a wide variety of headphones, from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding high-impedance over-ear models.
It is known for a clean, neutral, and highly transparent sound. With a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.001% and a wide dynamic range, it provides a very accurate foundation that lets the character of your headphones and source material shine through.
With dimensions of 33cm wide by 23cm deep, it has a relatively compact footprint for a high-end desktop amplifier. Its machined aluminum chassis is sturdy and designed to sit securely on most standard audio racks or desks.
This unit comes complete with its original remote control, the user manual, and the original manufacturer's packaging, ensuring it is well-protected and ready for integration into your system.
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$800