2. amps-preamps
  3. 184879-183056

An analogue preamp designer question

Hi everyone,

I'm working on a design of analog preamplifier with a fully mechanical controls. It has decent tactile experience, and very nice to play with. At the same it it has precise controls calibration and parametric EQ instead of generic tone control. The front panel is aluminium milled. The brand is entirely new, it is going to be our first device. The retail price could be something like $2500.

Functional:

  • 6 line inputs,
  • integrated phono preamp with discreet MC stage,  op-amp based MM with a 3-rd order subsonic filter,
  • integrated headphone amplifier,
  • tape replay support,
  • good electronics, should measure really well.
  • Dimensions: 435 x 241 x 42 mm (17.1 x 9.5 x 1.6 inches)

Problems found so far:

  • absence of remote control,
  • slightly industrial look: industrial aluminium profiles on the sides, iron painted top cover,
  • headphone controls are unusable when the jack is inserted, too little space.

Please help me find out which direction I should be moving this product for a better market fit, and a successful sales.

Possible options are:

  1. Go down with the price, instead of $2500 it could be say $900. Of course there will be no aluminium knobs, and front panel, the whole enclosure will be made from iron sheet, possibly knobs will be made of plastic
  2. Make it less PRO: remove controls calibration, simplify tone control
  3. Add digital inputs: S/PDIF, Bluetooth, etc
  4. Change the dimensions, so it is easier to put a turntable on it, or find a furniture
  5. your option

Thank you for all the thoughts!

Pictures:

Front view

back view

See more pictures in the following GDrive folder https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16WM_ciXyQmUlHIxwDMZ85MbP_raGGvtW?usp=sharing

sibiryakov

Showing 1 response by testrun

testrun
218 posts
 

I’d like a remote with volume and on/off if the helps.  Over the years I’ve kind of gravities to pres about a 1/2 in taller not sure why.  Today the be tactile feel I’ve have found is the Bricasti volume control on their DACs.  Try an M3 if possible it is the first piece of equipment I’ve owned in 49 years where tactile feel was something that I felt “wow”.  Most are either non issue or I hate this it ferls cheap!  My two cents.  Probably worth that as well.  Pics look great good luck!  

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