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The Alchemy PPA-2 is a full-featured phono preamp that uses all analog, discrete FET gain, and EQ stages to transform microscopic grooves in vinyl into stunningly lifelike music. The PPA-2 can be tailored to specific cartridge requirements, with switchable gain for each channel, MC cartridge loading, and stereo or mono operation. A selection of RCA or XLR inputs and outputs adds even more flexibility to the most versatile phono preamp in its class.
Specifications
Inputs: 2 x RCA or 1 x XLR balanced
Input impedance: 5-1 kOhm variable or 47K
Frequency response: 10 Hz-20 kHz +/- 0.2 dB
RIAA accuracy: +/- 0.2 dB
Nominal THD+N: <0.005%
Signal-to-noise ratio (1 kHz): >86 dB
Output voltage: >6.0 V RMS
Crosstalk (L-to-R or R-to-L): >80 dB
Single-ended gain: 42 dB (low) or 60 dB (high)
Balanced gain: 48 dB (low) or 66 dB (high)
Output impedance: 50 ohm
Analog outputs: 1 x XLR balanced, 1 x RCA
Dimensions (HWD): 2″ x 17.5″ x 15″
Weight: 12 lb | Rupert Neve Designs' Shelford Channel, over a half century in the making, is the definitive evolution of Mr. Neve's renowned 80 Series channel module technology, updated and refined for the contemporary studio. The Shelford Channel is fitted with Rupert's latest Class A transformer-gain mic preamp, the best-of-the-classics Inductor EQ from the Shelford 5052, a punchy diode-bridge compressor, the alluring analog textures of variable Silk saturation, a state-of-the-art dual-tap transformer output stage with massive headroom, and double the operating voltage of vintage designs. Offering rich tonal options for making audacious statements with your music, along with precision-detented controls for recall, the Shelford Channel delivers the authoritative sonic essence of classic Rupert Neve designs, along with modern versatility.
Input stage and transformer-gain mic pre
Rupert Neve's first new Class A, transformer-gain mic preamplifier in over 40 years makes its debut in the Shelford Channel. Rupert has spec'd this preamp with a direct-coupled transformer input; gain is provided by the custom transformer itself. The proprietary input transformer, and its meticulous integration with the surrounding Class A input amplifiers, plays an outsized role in the Channel's immediately recognizable sonics: punchy and creamy-smooth, with excellent isolation and vanishingly low noise.
The Shelford Channel's front-panel hi-Z instrument input uses the same discrete Class A field-effect transistor with transformer topology as Rupert Neve Designs' acclaimed RNDI; for gain, however, it utilizes the new RN4012 input transformer directly into the mic preamp. This design provides astonishing clarity on hi-Z sources, with substantial low-end weight and silky-smooth high frequencies. The DI also gives you a passive thru output to feed a guitar or bass amp.
- Mic-DI/Line: switches between microphone/direct injection input and line input
- GND Lift: disconnects the audio signal ground from chassis earth
- Signal LED: green indicates Signal Present; red indicates imminent input stage clipping
- Mic Gain: 12-way precision rotary, controls gain from 0dB to 66dB in 6dB steps
- Trim: rotary switch provides further continuous gain adjustment of +/-6dB
- 48V: switch engages phantom power on the mic input
- Phase: inverts the polarity of the signal path (illuminates when engaged)
- HPF Freq: engages a 12dB/octave highpass filter, variable from 20Hz-250Hz
The best-of-the-classics inductor EQ
The Shelford Channel's EQ section is a 3-band, custom-tapped inductor circuit containing Rupert's favorite bands from his vintage equalizer designs. The low-frequency band is primarily based on the 1064 — acclaimed for its creamy, resonant bass. Unlike the 1064, though, the Channel gives you added dimension, punch, and control over your low end by letting you use the LF band as either a peaking or a shelving filter. The midrange band is based on the venerable 1073 and is perfect for sweetening instruments and vocals while nudging them forward in a mix. "Proportional Q" response also makes it ideal for attenuating problem frequencies. The high-frequency band is a hybrid design with the best of vintage and modern attributes. It should be noted that this EQ is in no way a clone; it's a decidedly modern design using components and techniques that simply did not exist in the 1970s — for instance, the use of capacitor-based topologies to achieve sonic richness and enhanced control.
- EQ In: engages all EQ frequency bands except HPF
- LF: adjusts up to 15dB of boost/cut at the selected low frequency
- Low Freq: 4-position rotary switch for selecting LF band corner or center frequency
- LF Peak: selects LF shelving (out) or peaking (in) mode
- Mid Hi Q: selects between a mid-band resonance of 2 (out) or 3.5 (in)
- Mid: adjusts up to 15dB of boost/cut at selected mid frequency
- Mid Freq: 6-position rotary switch selects center frequency of the midband EQ stage
- HF Peak: selects HF shelving (out) or peaking (in) mode
- 8K/16K: selects between an 8kHz (out) or 16kHz (in) center or corner frequency for HF band
- HF: adjusts up to 15dB of boost or cut at selected high frequency
The Super Diode-bridge Compressor
Like the Shelford Channel's inductor EQ and transformer-gain microphone preamp, the diode-bridge compressor/limiter is based on the topologies found in vintage Neve designs such as the 2254. It improves, however, on the early designs by the inclusion of full-wave rectification and a bevy of new control features. Although Rupert's vintage diode-bridge compressors were prized for their warm, punchy response, they were somewhat compromised by imprecise controls, attack-time inflexibility, low headroom, and high noise. The Shelford Channel's Super Diode-bridge Compressor delivers the attitude-packed, "in your face" sound of those classics, but with modern precision and flexibility — which makes it ideal on any source. Full Side-chain and stereo Link features are provided.
- Side Chain Insert Jacks (rear-panel): for fine tuning of compressor operation
- Comp In: engages the Channel's compressor-limiter section
- Threshold: sets level where the compressor "kicks in"
- Ratio: sets compression slope from 1.5:1 (minimal) to 8:1 (heavy)
- SC Insert: inserts rear-panel sidechain insert jacks into sidechain signal path
- HPF to S/C: routes highpass filter into the circuit that compressor uses to determine level
- Gain: for adding make-up gain to compensate for level attenuation lost to compression
- Timing: 6-position rotary adjusts attack/release speed of the compressor
- Link: links the sidechain control of multiple units for ganged or stereo operation
- Pre EQ: changes the order of compressor in the circuit chain
- Blend: mixes the dry and compressed signal for handy parallel compression
- Fast: speeds up both attack and release of the selected compressor time constant
Dual-tap transformer output
The Shelford Channel's output stage serves up the inimitable sound of Rupert Neve's classic designs while providing far more tonal versatility. The dual-tap output for the RN2042 square-core output transformer provides both high- and low-headroom outputs without compromising performance. The high-headroom tap takes advantage of the Shelford's higher-voltage design, delivering a pristine sound without non-linear output-stage coloration at high levels. The low-headroom tap, on the other hand, lets you drive the full voltage range of the Channel to accentuate this non-linear harmonic content — without clipping most pro interfaces. For vocals, drums, guitars, bass, and other instruments, this output lets you hit the transformer's sweet spot, which can inject life into a recorded performance in a way that other effects cannot.
The Silk and Texture controls
The Shelford Channel is packing a secret weapon the classics never had: its output transformer features the Silk Red/Blue and Texture controls from the Portico II Series that let you tailor the harmonic content and tonality of the output stage. By engaging these controls and sufficiently driving your output, you can dial in delectable 2nd- and 3rd-order harmonic distortion (that's the good kind) and saturation of the output transformer, imbuing your tracks with juicy rich thickness (think: 1073 on steroids) — with no danger of overloading the output stage. The Silk Red mode emphasizes harmonic content generated by the source's high frequencies; Blue mode, conversely, works off the low frequencies. The Texture knob controls the amount of added harmonic content. Disengage Silk, and your output is pristine and modern, while retaining Rupert's bigger-than-life transformer sonic signature.
The magical sound of Neve
Rupert Neve is an audio legend whose electronics designs defined the golden age of analog. Those of us at Sweetwater who have had the privilege of working on a Neve 8078 or its predecessors can attest to the fact that Neve's Series 80 consoles were indeed the pinnacle of hand-wired analog mixing desks. Mr. Neve has remained at the forefront of audio-circuit innovation for over half a century, and his current company, Rupert Neve Designs, continues to advance the state of the art with cutting-edge products that sound incredible and intelligently address the challenges of the digital age.
Rupert Neve Designs Shelford Channel Features:
- The definitive evolution of Rupert Neve's renowned 80 Series channel module technology
- A complete channel strip that delivers the essence of classic designs, along with modern versatility
- Input stage and transformer-gain mic pre
- Front-panel hi-Z direct input
- Best-of-the-classics inductor EQ
- Super Diode-bridge Compressor
- Dual-tap transformer output
- Silk and Texture controls
| Features
- Dual mono construction
- High-end ESS Sabre ESS9038 dual DAC
- Proprietary clock circuity design
- Organic polymer capacitors and thin film miniMELF resistors
- MQA hardware decoding
- DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 & DSD512 (DoP, DSD512 native)
- Up to 24bit/192kHz for optical & coax inputs
- 8 selectable digital filter characteristics
- 1 proprietary optimum transient digital filter
- Headphone output on the front (6.3mm)
- Synchronization of all internal oscillators
- Jitter as low as 100 Femtoseconds!
- Gold plated four-layer PCB
- Full alu/metal sandwich casing in silver or black
Technical
| Digital inputs |
1x USB (B), 1x Co-axial (RCA), 1x Optical (TOSLink) |
| D/A-converter |
2x ESS9038Q2M 32-bit |
| USB |
up to DSD512 (DSD1024), PCM up to 32b/768kHz |
| Optical |
PCM up to 24b/192kHz |
| Coaxial |
PCM up to 24b/192kHz |
| Filter settings |
7 different selectable on front |
| Frequency response |
20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Analogue outputs |
6.3mm Headphone (front), 1x Variable Out (RCA |
| Output voltage |
2.05 Veff |
| Minimal recommended headphone impedance |
8 Ohm |
| Headphone output power |
6.6 mW / 600 Ohm; 68 mW / 32 Ohm |
| THD |
0.0003% @ 0 dB, 2V RMS, 1 kHz |
| Dynamic range |
124 dBA |
| Outboard Power supply |
5V/1A DC (included) |
| Dimensions W x H x D |
103 x 37 x 122 mm (including knob and connectors) |
| Weight |
366 g (without power supply) |
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NAIM UNITI NOVA ALL-IN-ONE MUSIC PLAYER
Uniti Nova is proof that an all-in-one player can deliver audiophile quality. Whichever source you choose, your music will be transformed into a stunning sonic experience. The reference player in the range, Uniti Nova has been configured to offer the very best solution that we can implement in a single-box, compact enclosure. All the available space has been used to provide 80 watts per channel of Class A/B amplification capable of driving the most demanding loudspeakers – detail and depth you’ll hear in every note, riff and chorus.
Uniti Nova really lives up to its name with some outstanding new technology which really sets it apart from the rest of the range. Its circuitry features the highest quality discrete components, a massive toroidal transformer for an exceptional sound, superior isolation, Naim's new signature volume control, more inputs than you can shake a stick at and an 80 watt power per channel power amplifier to boot. Uniti Nova is as good as an all-in-one player can get.
Specifications
Connectivity
Audio Inputs
2 x Optical TOSLink (up to 24bit/96kHz)
2 x Coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
1 x BNC (up to 192kHz, DoP 62Fs)
1 x HDMI ARC
2 x RCA
2 x 5-pin DIN
2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear)
SD Card
Audio Outputs
1 x Stereo power amplifier
1 x RCA sub/pre output
1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
Amplifier Output: 80 W per channel into 8 ohm
Dimensions (HWD): 95mm x 432mm x 265mm
Weight: 13 kg
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Uniti Atom is a beautiful, compact multi-source music player that will seduce you with its amazing sound quality and outstanding feature-set. Its 40-watt integrated amplifier and high-resolution music streaming capabilities will fill your home with stunning high-fidelity sound. Uniti Atom is perfect as a high-end main system or even for use in the kitchen or study, where space is at a premium. Just add speakers. The Naim App for iOS and Android combines all of your music sources in one place, making Uniti Atom even more appealing.
Upgradeable Performance
In true Naim style, the new Uniti Atom can be upgraded with an external power amplifier, such as the compact NAP 100. You can also add a subwoofer for deeper bass extension. And for those with extensive CD collections, you can add a Uniti Core music server to your system to store and stream thousands of albums to your Uniti player and back up all of your music in one place.
Specifications
Connectivity
Audio Inputs
2 x Optical TOSLink (up to 24bit/96kHz)
1 x Coaxial RCA (up to 24bit/192kHz, DoP 64Fs)
1 x HDMI ARC
1 x RCA
2 x USB Type A socket (front and rear)
Audio Outputs
1 x Stereo power amplifier
1 x RCA sub/pre output
1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Amplifier Output: 40 W per channel into 8 ohm
Dimensions (WHD): 9.65" x 3.74" x x 10.43" (245 mm x 95 mm x 265 mm)
Weight: 15.43 lb | Rupert Neve Designs RNHP is a state-of-the-art headphone amplifier. Now when Mr. Neve turns his attention to anything, you know it's going to be good. And spectacularly so. What the RNHP delivers is reliable, reference-grade amplification for any pair of headphones. Based on the headphone amp in the RND 5060 Centerpiece, the dedicated 24-volt design is spec'd with calibrated +4dBu Line, RCA, and 1/8" stereo inputs. Everything's housed in a road-tough, VESA-mountable steel chassis. The unit's effortless sonic performance and the ability to drive virtually any 'phones without compromise let you perform, mix, and savor your music with stunning clarity.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP at a Glance:
- Unerring accuracy for better performances
- The benefits of near-zero-ohm output impedance
Unerring accuracy for better performances
You know you perform your best when your cans sound great - and that's where the RNHP can make a huge difference. Many integrated headphone amps are plagued with a non-linear frequency response, as well as noise, distortion, and skimpy headroom. To some, these units' lackluster sonic performance may seem "close enough for rock 'n' roll," however at Sweetwater, we believe there is the performer's subconscious response to consider. After all, if you're not inspired by what you're hearing, your performance will suffer.
The benefits of near-zero-ohm output impedance
Rupert Neve Designs spec'd the RNHP with near-zero-ohm output impedance to minimize frequency-based reactive-load impedance shifts - a problem unique to headphone monitoring. This ensures accurate sound reproduction, which is obviously important if you need to trust the decisions you make with headphones. You'll find the RNHP's unerring accuracy beneficial when you're using just one set of cans, and also when you're comparing a mix on multiple pairs of headphones.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP Features:
- Reliable, reference-grade amplification for any pair of headphones
- Based on the headphone amp in the RND 5060 Centerpiece
- Effortless sonic performance
- The ability to drive virtually any headphones
- Dedicated 24-volt design
- Calibrated +4dBu Line, RCA, and 1/8" stereo inputs
- Near-zero-ohm output impedance minimizes frequency-based reactive-load impedance shifts
- Road-tough, VESA-mountable steel chassis
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