The Custom provides some of the finest components available today making the the Custom an exceptional, reference level tube preamp currently offered for under $5,000. You will not find another preamp in this price point that offers so much or sounds as good.
Overview. The Custom is an enhanced version of our hottest selling, LeAnna/Spirit preamp. Take a look at the Custom's standard Features below to understand why the Custom could possible be the best sounding preamp you can own for under $3,000
You will be amazed by the performance of this affordable vacuum tube preamplifier. The Custom utilize a Class A, Zero Feedback circuit and performs well above it's affordable price indicates. The 2019 Custom is housed in a rugged aluminum chassis measuring 12" W x 12" D x 3.25" H.
The Custom offers a solid state power supply with a high current toroidal transformer and high quality filter capacitors by JJ Electronics.
The circuit is based on the 6922 dual triode with a constant current source topology. Why the 6922? The 6922/6DJ8 is superior with harmonic distortion 1/8th (-18db less) that of any 6SN7 variety/equivalent, or other tube type. Signal path components include high precision Carbon Film resistors, Acrylic encapsulated Clarity Cap output capacitors and high quality cryogenically treated, silver plated copper signal wiring. An Alps Blue volume pot is standard.
The Spirit's circuit and well designed power supply provides a black as night presentation.
The back panel houses 3 sets of single ended inputs and 1 XLR balanced input. If ordered as a single ended unit, the XLR connectors will still be utilized but wired as single ended so you can still use any high quality XLR cables you may have. Outputs consist of 1 set of RCA and one set of XLR. As with the XLR inputs, if ordered as single ended, the XLR connectors are still usable.
Balanced version ustilizes for transformer coupling for both RCA and XLR balanced inputs.
Custom - Standard Features
* Pure Class A Triode vacuum tube purest design
* 6922/6DJ8 signal tubes
* Natural warm up for tubes, extends tube life
* 0dB negative feedback design
* Central one-point star earth grounding
* Solid state power supply provides a high speed
energy delivery on transients
* High current toroidal transformer
* Ultra Fast - Soft Recovery Fairchild diodes
* Quality Carbon Film resistors used for a smooth, yet refined
tone
* High quality power supply filter capacitors
* Select quality passive components used in all applications
* Critical components are matched
* Mundorf MKP output capacitors
* Alps Blue remote volume control with Mute (optional)
* Cryogenically Treated Silver Plated Copper in Teflon.
* Fully hand assembled to insure the highest level of craftsmanship
* Chassis finish: Black Aluminum
* Aluminum control knobs
* Line Inputs - 4 sets plus HT Bypass input
* Line Outputs - 2 sets RCA
* Made in the USA
* Two year parts and labor warranty: 30 days on supplied vacuum tubes.
Specifications
Circuit: 6922 Class "A" zero feedback
Stage Gain: 15.5dB
Input Impedance: 100k ohms
Output Impedance: 630 ohms Single Ended
<180 ohms Balanced
Phase:Inverts
Frequency: <10Hz->1MHz
Fuse: 1.0A Fast
Voltage: 110V-120V / 220V-240V
Pricing
Single Ended $995
Balanced: $1,195
Shipping: FREE
Remote volume with mute $200
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Different configurations are available for both the Segue and Custom.
The Segue mk3 shown at right shows one of the options available. This piece was custom built for a customer that wanted a buffer only and only one balanced input and output.
Made in USA
[sey-gwey, seg-wey] to make a transition from one thing to another smoothly and without interruption:
"............the top and mids are smoother and more refined with greater ‘definition’, transparency and air while the bass is also better defined and refined. There was a small improvement in the soundstage as the system already possessed a great one......."
".......I'm so impressed with this buffer that later this summer I'm going to buy one of Bill's top preamps. I've been made a believer in preamps again........ "
Segue
For several years our customers have been asking for a preamp version of our very popular Segue tube buffer stage. The Segue Tube buffer found its way into many high end audio systems around the globe. New for the 2019 model, we are releasing the mk3 version of the Segue. The Segue mk3 is a stand alone buffer and buffer preamp for those who do not need the high gain of a standard preamp. The Segue mk3 will be everything the stand alone Segue buffer was but now uses a 4 input relay based selector and Alps Blue volume control. The volume control can be bypassed making the Segue mk3 also a stand alone buffer with 4 inputs. In keeping with Response Audio tradition, The Segue mk3 will utilize the top quality design and components as the original Segue whch now includes a top notch volume control option. The Segue mk3 can be left on at all times just like your solid state amplifier.
The results are as follows:
Restores proper frequency balance though better impedance matching due to its very low 90 ohm output impedance.
Improves tone and weight with the use of a 6922 tube
Relaxes and opens up the music for better detail, imaging.
Reduces listener fatigue often associated with digital and solid state components
Enhances the 3D performance
The Segue utilizes a single 6922/6DJ8 dual triode tube and is run at voltages that allow you keep it on at all times. Input impedance is high at 100k ohms with a very low output impedance (a good thing) of only 90 ohms.
The power supply utilizes 2 separate high current toroidal transformers. A dedicated transformer for the +/- rails of the B+ supply and a separate, high current transformer for the new regulated DC supply boards feeding the tube filaments. Elna Silmic II capacitors are employed for the power supply filter capacitors with last stage bypassed with high quality film cap. Ultra Fast diodes are used throughout. Your choice of top line output capacitors (on custom orders only) and Cryogenically treated Silver Plated/Copper/Teflon signal wire.
The Segue is built into a smaller brushed aluminum chassis.
The Segue mk3 is available in single ended or transformer coupled balanced configuration. Like our Spirit preamplifier, the balanced Segue mk3 utilizes transformer coupling for all inputs and outputs including single ended connections.
Features:
Alps Blue volume control
High current toroidal transformer for the B+
Ultra Fast diodes used throughout.
Regulated DC supply for tube filaments
High quality resistors
Mundorf MKP output capacitors
High quality, ELNA power supply filter capacitors.
Cryogenically treated Silver Plated/Copper/Teflon signal wire.
Brushed aluminum chassis - Black Anodized
Aluminum control knobs
Pricing
Single Ended $999
Balanced $Inquire
Shipping FREE
Remote volume with mute optional
V-Cap OIMP Capacitors: Inquire
V-Cap Teflon Bypass capacitors - Inquire
Pre orders will be accepted and are the only pieces that can be ordered with updrades. Ready-to-sell products will be built and sold in standard form and displayed on our Custom Builds page
A 60% down payment will be required for pre-orders.
Available worldwide.
Don" be fooled by the affordable price of these two pieces. The Segue Buffer/Pre and the Musica Bella Custom linetsage were designed to provide a reference quality presentation at a real world price. The Custom is scalled down version of our very popular LeAnna and Spirit linetsgaes. The only difference is the size of the chassis. Both the Segue and Custom are built into the same 12" x 12" x 3" black anodized aluminum chassis as shown above.
NOTE: On the "Custom" preamplifier, you have your choice of our Class A tube stage using either the 6922/6DJ8 or 12AU7.
Specifications:
Input impedance: 100k ohms
Output impedance: 90 ohms single ended
600 ohms balanced
Frequency range: <10Hz - >100kHz
Tubes: 1 piece 6922/6DJ8 per 2 channels
Inputs: 3x single ended/ 1x XLR
Outputs: 1x RCA/ 1x XLR
Fuse: 1.0A Fast
Voltage: 110V-120V / 220V-240V
Size: 12 x 12 x 3
Weight: Approximately 8 lbs.
Warranty: 2 years parts and labor
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Custom
Class A Vacuum Tube
Preamplifier
Available in single ended or balanced configurations
SOLD OUT
Don't be fooled by what others might have told you about buffer stage preamplifiers. The Segue is an amazing sounding vacuum tube buffer or zero gain tube preamplifier that performs well about its price class.
Segue mk3
Buffer/Pre
Zero Gain Buffer/ Buffer Preamp
Available in single ended or balanced configurations
SOLD OUT
Musica Bella
SHOWN BELOW; The unit below is an all out Segue Buffer/Preamp. Includes balanced input/outputs, remote volume with mute and relay based balanced input selector as well as a regulated DC filament supply for the tube.
All these optionas also available for the "Custom Preamp".