Aric Audio Systems Unlimited Preamp

The magic of the Dude is in several design areas that make it unique. The 3 tube regulated power supply is a gem and to this day nobody has figured out how Paul the designer did it. Paul was an absolutely brilliant designer and while some aspects of his Dude preamp can be “copied” this is one that has not to date.

The way he used the 6sn7 tube is also unique and unconventional. He did not follow the established designs and conventional wisdom in books etc... He utilized the tube in unique ways that many would quickly dismiss as “wrong”. This is also unique to the Dude to date. 

Things like a robust Pi filter, circuit breaker instead of fuse, SS rectification, hand build Shallco silver contact stepped attenuator, and Duelund output caps can be matched.

We miss Paul and TRL gear. I like the fact that we are respecting his work by mentioning the Dude in this thread.

Goodness I love what you are doing here. It will sound absolutely wonderful I am sure.  Very nice.  Love to see pictures if possible. 

I have been looking at the pics and this is the way a great preamp should be built. Very well done! The design, layout, and build quality are all impeccable. I see my personal favorite - Jupiter copper foil caps. I now use these in all my builds and mods. I love them! Bypass with a .01uf Duelund silver foil and you’re in heaven.

Your attention to detail and build skills are first rate. Exciting to see a preamp like this is still being built. No circuit boards, beefy Pi filter with quality chokes and Clarity TC caps. Many power amps don’t have power supplies as good as this! The power supply is the key to great sound. Very exciting to see this beauty!