Yosemite Preamplifier
Best tube preamplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, high-fidelity analog sound.
The Yosemite Preamplifier by ampsandsound is a meticulously crafted tube preamplifier inspired by iconic designs. It features completely separate power transformers and supplies for its line and phono stages, a premium 33-step attenuator volume control, and custom nickel-core step-up transformers for the moving-coil input. Built with a robust chassis and turret-board construction, it prioritizes functionality, stability, and ease of repair. The Yosemite delivers exceptional performance with an astonishing noise figure, offering a pure, analog audio experience with wide bandwidth, depth, and refinement.
$20000.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
36
/ 491
#36 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+191%
Above average
Voltage
120230
/ V or v configurable
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking rich, expansive, and harmonically complex tube sound
- Purists valuing hand-built craftsmanship and long-term signal integrity
- System builders needing versatile gain and impedance matching
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners preferring affordable solid-state alternatives
- Users wanting a low-maintenance, set-and-forget audio setup
- Owners with limited rack space or poor ventilation
Performance breakdown
Signal Purity
Remarkably low noise floor ensures an exceptionally clean analog listening experience.
Build Integrity
Turret-board construction and robust chassis design prioritize long-term reliability and serviceability.
Volume Precision
The 33-step attenuator provides granular, repeatable control over your listening levels.
Component Isolation
Separate power supplies for line and phono stages eliminate unwanted electrical interference.
Cartridge Versatility
Custom transformers handle both moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges with impressive refinement.
Sonic Transparency
Ultra-low distortion levels preserve the delicate nuances of your vinyl collection.
Key Specs
Voltage
120V or 230v configurable
Line Inputs
2 Single Ended (RCA), 1 XLR Balanced
Line Input Impedance
50K Ohms (Single Ended), 600 Ohms (XLR)
Phono Input Impedance
100 Ohms (MC), 47k Ohms (MM)
Output Impedance
300 Ohms
Frequency Response
10 Hz - 22kHz (-3db @ 2v RMS)
Signal to Noise Ratio
30uV RMS (10uV nominal)
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.004% at 1kHz (2V RMS Out)
Features
- Separate power supplies for line and phono stages
- Premium 33-step attenuator volume control
- Custom transformers for MC input and XLR conversion
- Modular design for isolation and serviceability
- Tube rectification for classic analog sound
- Turret board construction for reliability
- Panel mount jacks for durability
- Zero PCBs in the linestage
What customers say
The Yosemite Preamplifier is widely considered an endgame component, celebrated for its sonic purity and robust build quality. Users consistently praise its remarkable transparency and dynamic range, delivering a nuanced signal that reveals subtle musical details. This unit creates an engaging soundstage that is both wide and deep. Its strong output stage expertly drives various power amplifiers, showcasing versatility. The artisanal, hand-wired construction using premium components earns acclaim for its tank-like durability, suggesting a lifetime investment. While positioned in the high-end market, owners agree the transformative sonic improvements and impeccable craftsmanship fully justify the premium cost, resulting in high satisfaction.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is designed to handle both. It features a 47k Ohm input for moving-magnet cartridges and a dedicated 100 Ohm input for moving-coil cartridges, utilizing custom transformers to ensure optimal performance.
By using completely independent power transformers and supplies for the line and phono stages, the Yosemite prevents electrical interference between the two circuits. This isolation results in a significantly lower noise floor and improved clarity in the audio signal.
The Yosemite uses a premium 33-step attenuator, which is a high-quality analog volume control. This ensures precise tracking and maintains signal integrity better than standard potentiometers.
Turret-board construction is a traditional, point-to-point wiring method that avoids the use of printed circuit boards (PCBs). This makes the unit more durable, easier to service over time, and allows for a cleaner signal path.
Yes, the Yosemite includes one balanced XLR input alongside two single-ended RCA inputs. It uses custom transformers to handle the XLR conversion, maintaining the unit's analog performance standards.
The unit is configurable for either 120V or 230V operation. Please ensure you specify your regional power requirements when ordering to ensure the internal configuration matches your local voltage.
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