Audiophonics AP310 balanced preamp

[mike70]

A recent release from Audiophonics ... balanced preamp with a very low price (at least for the audio world).

https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/prea...ollers/audiophonics-ap310-preamp-p-19540.html

What do you think?

Generally the achilles heel in preamps is the volume pot, and here we got the MUSES72320 volume control ... that's a digital volume? (in that case, maybe not suitable for those who're searching for a pure analog preamp)

 

[staticV3]

Generally the achilles heel in preamps is the volume pot, and here we got the MUSES72320 volume control ... that's a digital volume?

It's an analog resistor ladder attenuator on a chip, which is controlled by a microcontroller to enable remote control and volume readout on a display.

It's the most logical choice for this application.

 

[mike70]

I hope audiophonics will send the product to be reviewed by Amir

 

[pewe]

They also have a nice combo with this matching amplifier. Could very possibly be my new combo.

Pack Audiophonics AP310-PREAMP Preamplifier + Audiophonics AP300-S250NC Amplifier + Câbles XLR Audiophonics Wire 30cm

This Audiophonics pack includes the AP310-PREAMP preamplifier, the AP300-S250NC stereo amplifier, Audiophonics Wire XLR connection cables and a trigger cable. It will enable you to set up a high-performance HiFi system...

www.audiophonics.fr

 

[Ropeburn]

Not bad at all. Excellent combo with high quality and plenty of power for a very good price. The feature set is very barebones, but if you don't need more, what's not to like?

 

[somebodyelse]

With only one balanced input it's a stretch to call it a balanced preamp.

 

[pewe]

They are also very small units as well, could be important for some people. Only 30x22x6.5 cm!

 

[ta240]

I like that it has a trigger output, which is something so many preamps are missing. A preamp or even a DAC with a remote and volume control isn't as handy if you still have to manually turn the amp on and off.

 

[oupee]

The balanced input is immediately converted to unbalanced via an OPA and after the volume control there is another OPA which makes a balanced output. That's why I wouldn't use it for balanced input. It's ok for unbalanced input and output.

 

[staticV3]

The balanced input is immediately converted to unbalanced via an OPA and after the volume control there is another OPA which makes a balanced output. That's why I wouldn't use it for balanced input. It's ok for unbalanced input and output.

The common-mode rejection enabled by balanced input may well be worth the slight drop in SNR caused by the conversion to single-ended.

Hiss may or may not be audible, but ground loop induced interference noise is usually very disruptive.

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

If only there were measurements of this preamp..

Btw it is also used in Audiophonics AP310-P250NC integrated amplifier.

 

[xanalog]

If only there were measurements of this preamp..

I cannot believe that this Audiophonics' AP310 is devoid of any worthwhile specifications for it.
TL&DR: This is against everything that @amirm/ASR has been trying to instill on manufacturers!

SHAME ON YOU, AudioPhonies!
[from an X-customer]

 

[amirm]

It does have specs, just not performance measurements:

Specifications
Product type	Preamplifier
Inputs	1x Balanced 3 pins stereo XLR 4x Single-ended stereos RCA
Outputs	1x Balanced 3-pin stereo male XLR 1x Single-ended stereos RCA
Volume range	-90dB - +12dB
Gain settings	Adjustable up to +6dB
OLED screen	Brightness not adjustable, but switches off after 40 seconds
Input impedance	10kΩ
Output impedance	Single-ended : 100Ω Balanced : 200Ω
Output level	Single-ended : 9.5V RMS Balanced : 19V RMS
Amplification chip	LM4562
Output level	Single-ended: 9.5Vrms Balanced: 19Vrms
Impédance de sortie	Single-ended: 100 Ohms Balanced: 200 Ohms

 

[xanalog]

It does have specs, just not performance measurements:

I wrote my previous reply after searching through their and other websites, and chose the word "worthwhile specifications" as none exists.

Caveat Emptor makes a potential buyer suspicious with doubt:
*How can such data performance-measurements be not available?
*Wouldn't the design group be responsible for verification of its performance?
*Are they not published because they are -at best- garden-variety?

 

[staticV3]

My thoughts exactly!

No measurements means either the design is unverified, or it is but marketing decided that they'd sell more not showing the results.

 

[Sokel]

The chip used claims 0.0005 % THD (about -107dB) at 1kHz /1Vrms output.
Not bad if they succeeded to follow it.

What's deceiving is the size, it looks full size at pics but it's only about 2/3 and weights about a kilo and a half.
Not exactly cheap for what it offers.

 

[mike70]

Now we have the cheaper Fosi balanced preamp ... also for sell in Audiophonics

 

[Salt]

30 day return without expence ... time enough for measurements...

 

[xanalog]

Perhaps, I [we?] got spoiled-silly by @amirm/ASR providing me[us?] with such measurements.
I [we?] expect it and demand it.

30 day return without expence ... time enough for measurements.

Old political statement "Trust but verify" does not apply for audio hardware anymore.
It's all @amirm's fault...

 

[Yersinia Bestmate]

Just added an AP310-PREAMP to one of my systems and I've been very pleased with it so far.

First I faced problems, as the unit I got had a display failure but Audiophonics sorted it out promptly and without any extra fuzz (contrary to my previous experiences with them) and I got a new one. Replaced a Topping L70 with it and now the volume control is much better and the polarity issue I had with the Topping is gone. AP310-PREAMP looks better as well IMO.