LAB12 pre1 Triode Class A Line Preamplifier Owner’s Manual
- August 15, 2024
- LAB12
Table of Contents
LAB12 pre1 Triode Class A Line Preamplifier
Specifications:
- Product: Lab12 pre1- Triode Class A Line Preamplifier
- Model: pre1
- Class: Triode Class A
- Location: K. Varnali 57A, Metamorfosi, 14452, Athens, Greece
- Contact: Tel: +30 210 2845173, Email: contact@lab12.gr, Web: www.lab12.gr
Product Usage Instructions
Unpacking:
Pre1 should be removed from its box with care. Remove all the foam
protective pieces of the box before you unpack pre1. Unpack pre1 with your
hands on both sides of the device. Unpack the Remote Control and insert the
batteries in correct position.
Warnings:
No user serviceable parts are included inside. Do not unscrew the cover;
high voltages remain after disconnecting from mains. In case your device
requires any kind of service or upgrade, please ship or take your equipment
directly to Lab12 or to one of our authorized dealers or other qualified
personnel. Always use the same type of fuse for replacement.
Main Connections:
-
Connect a High-Grade Power cable: Connect a High-Grade Power cable to the IEC input and to your wall socket.
Make sure that your wall socket provides a good ground before connecting the power cable. You can supply 230 to 240 Volts AC /50Hz (115 to 120 AC Volts / 60Hz). -
Connect to your Power Amplifier: Connect the preamplifier analog output to an analog line level input to your Power Amplifier. Make sure about the correct channel connections.
We suggest using a good quality interconnect cable pair. You can use RCA or/and XLR cables. -
Connect an Analog Output Source: Make sure that your Source has an analog line level output. Connect an analog interconnect cable from the source output to one of analog inputs of pre1. Select input number with the selector switch on the left side of the front panel on your pre1.
FAQ:
-
Q: Can I use any power cable with the pre1?
A: It is recommended to use the Lab12 Knack mk2 Power Cable for optimal performance, although you can use other High-Grade Power cables as well. -
Q: How do I mute the preamplifier output?
A: You can instantly mute the preamplifier output using the lower left mute button on the remote control RC1.
www.lab12.gr
K. Varnali 57A, Metamorfosi, 14452, Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 2845173
Email: contact@lab12.gr
Web: www.lab12.gr
IT IS YOURS!
Thank you for selecting Lab12 pre1, a high-grade audiophile Line Preamplifier.
Pre1 Preamplifier was born after two years of development. It is the first
preamplifier of Lab12 products range and aims the same exact target as all of
our products; to achieve a warm, musical and -most of all- realistic sound
that remains enjoyable even after many hours of listening.
Pre1 offers five analog inputs and two preamplifier outputs (RCA & XLR), so
you can easily drive a bi-amping system or a power amplifier and active
subwoofer(s) without problem. All components are carefully chosen after hours
of listening and testing, while paying great attention to every detail
affecting the outcome. As every Lab12 device, pre1 has an ultra-solid
construction with glass blasting anodized finishing.
Internally we use a matched pair of E88CC tubes in a special configuration and
a four stages solid state power supply with more than enough capacity and
smart filtering. Dual mono philosophy and fine symmetry® exists in every stage
of circuit and PCB and of course we use the SRSG® topology in this gear, too.
Do not forget that your pre1 is totally handcrafted with perfectly matched
parts of the finest selections. In order to reach the optimal performance,
your pre1 needs at least 150 hours of listening. In this time all components
go from “burn in” period to stable.
Before setting up your new pre1, we encourage you to thoroughly read this
manual to properly acquaint yourself with its features. We love music and
audio devices; we have built your new device with emotion and personal
treatment.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
The most current version of this manual is available on our official website
at http://www.lab12.gr
Unpacking
Pre1 should be removed from its box with care. Remove all the foam protective
pieces of the box before you unpack pre1. Unpack pre1 with your hands on both
sides of the device. Unpack the Remote Control and insert the batteries in
correct position.
Warnings
No user serviceable parts are included inside. Do not unscrew the cover; high
voltages remain after disconnecting from mains. In case your device requires
any kind of service or upgrade, please ship or take your equipment directly to
Lab12 or to one of our authorized dealers or other qualified personnel.
Always use same type of fuse for replacement.
Features
- Remote control
- Toroidal power transformer
- Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer
- No feedback design
- SRSG® implementation
- Fine symmetry® implementation
- 1-minute warm up time
- 5mm Aluminum face panel
- Five Years Guarantee
Installation & Placement
Lab12 pre1 should be placed on a solid flat surface. You should avoid placing
it near a heat source as this could compromise the performance and
reliability. You should never place another component directly on top of this
device.
Make sure that your pre1 has an adequate flow of air around it. Pre1 could be
warm in some points; this is normal and within parts’ specifications.
Take care of the front panel’s glass blasting anodized finishing using a soft
dry cloth. No need to use any sprays or polishes. Never use cleaners
containing abrasives, as this will damage the surface.
Front Panel
PRE1 Front panel
In the front panel you will see eight indication LEDs, one input selector, the
volume control and the Ir receiver.
The center LED (C) indicates that the device is powered on.
The LEDs (D) indicate that the outputs of PRE1 are active. LEDs (D) are
blinking for 1 minute (tubes warm up time) after turning on the pre1. Make
sure that the volume control is on a low level within this minute.
To the left of the 3 center LEDs, you will see the input indicators (A) and
the rotary input selector (B). You can select your desired input out of a
total of five.
To the right of 3 center LEDs, you will see the Volume control (E). You can
adjust the Volume of the Preamplifier outputs.
Make sure that no objects are placed in front of Ir receiver (F).
Rear Panel
PRE1 Rear panel
On the rear panel you will find the connection sockets for inputs and outputs.
At the left side there are the two pairs of preamp outputs. One RCA and one
XLR (A).
At the right of the preamp outputs you will find the line inputs named 1 to 5
(B).
To the right side you will find an IEC AC input (C). Below IEC input, the main
fuse holder (D) and the Power switch (F) are located.
Remote Control
PRE1 Remote Control Panel
You can fully control your preamplifier from IR remote control RC1.
To the top of the remote control, there are two buttons for output volume
adjustment (A). Below the volume buttons, you will find two buttons for input
selection (B).
You can instantly mute the preamplifier output with lower left mute button
(C).
Main connections
Connect a High-Grade Power cable to the IEC input and to your wall socket.
Make sure that your wall socket provides a good ground before connecting the
power cable. You can supply 230 to 240 Volts AC /50Hz (115 to 120 AC Volts /
60Hz). (Every pre1 is tuned and calibrated using the Lab12 Knack mk2 Power
Cable. We strongly suggest using this cable).
Connect to your Power Amplifier
Connect the preamplifier analog output to an analog line level input to your
Power Amplifier. Make sure about the correct channel connections. We suggest
using a good quality interconnect cable pair. You can use RCA or/and XLR
cables.
Connect an analog output Source
Make sure that your Source has an analog line level output. Connect an analog
interconnect cable from the source output to one of analog inputs of pre1.
Select input number with the selector switch on the left side of the front
panel on your pre1.
For the safety of your equipment
- Make sure that all your equipment is turned off before any connection.
- To avoid damaging your speakers you have to turn on the pre1 some seconds before turning on your power amplifier and turn it off some seconds after turning off your power amplifier.
Specifications
- Power: 230VAC 50Hz (115VAC 60Hz)
- Power consumption: 80 VA max
- Frequency response: 5Hz to 200 kHz, +0-3dB
- Distortion: 0.04% at 2V RMS output
- Gain: 21dB
- Signal to Noise ratio: 90dB
- Maximum output: 14V RMS
- Input impedance: 50K ohm
- Output impedance: 900 ohm
- Tube complement: 2x 6922 EH dual triodes
- Inputs: 5x line stereo (RCA connectors)
- Preamp outputs: 2x line stereo (1x RCA connectors, 1x XLR connectors)
- Available Colours: Matt Black, Frozen Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 43x11x29 cm
- Weight: 7 Kg
Warranty
Lab12 products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards and
deliver high- quality performance, ease of use and ease of installation. We
are confident that you will enjoy many years of good service from your
product.
In the unlikely event of a failure of the product, we will arrange for your
product to be serviced, free of charge, provided that the product was used in
accordance with the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Lab12 could modify the design or specifications of any product without
obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products.
This Warranty is provided for the benefit of the first and original purchaser
of the covered product and is not transferable to a subsequent purchaser.
Vacuum tubes are warranted for the original 90-day period only.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights. EU rules 1999/44/ΕΚ.
This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
Lab12 reserves the right to change or modify any of the terms and conditions
contained in this Warranty Statement, at any time and in our sole discretion.
Any changes or modification will be effective immediately upon posting of the
revisions on the Lab12 website, and you waive any right you may have to
receive specific notice of such changes or modifications. In the event that
there is a difference between this warranty and the provisions in any owner’s
manuals, warranty leaflets, or packaging cartons, the terms of this warranty,
as published on the official Lab12 website, will prevail to the fullest extent
allowed by law.
For the warranty to be valid:
- The Warranty card, which is placed outside the box of the unit, must be filled out by the authorized seller with the Model of the device, Serial Number, Color, Date of Purchase, Customer’s Name and Customer’s Address, as well as the authorized seller’s point sign.
- A copy of the purchase receipt must also be attached to this card.
- A photo of the completed Warranty card, along with the purchase receipt, must be sent to contact@lab12.gr by the end consumer within one month from the date of purchase.
What is Covered and how long this coverage lasts?
Only new products purchased through an authorized Lab12 dealer, importer or
distributor are entitled for warranty coverage. The Warranty is limited to the
first original purchaser and is inapplicable for secondhand products. This
warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship in this product for 5
years (or a 90-Days Limited Warranty for vacuum tubes) after the date of
purchase or no later than 6 years of the date of shipment to the authorized
Lab12 dealer or distributor, whichever comes first.
What is Not Covered
This limited warranty does not cover any damage, deterioration or malfunction
resulting from any alteration, improper or unreasonable use or maintenance,
misuse, abuse, accident, neglect, exposure to excess moisture, fire, improper
packing, and shipping (such claims must be presented to the carrier),
lightning, power surges, or other acts of nature.
This limited warranty does not cover any damage, deterioration or malfunction
resulting from the installation or removal of this product from any
installation, any unauthorized tampering with this product, any Tubes Swaps,
Repairs or Modifications attempted by anyone unauthorized by Lab12, or any
other cause which does not relate directly to a defect in materials and/or
workmanship of this product.
This limited warranty does not cover vacuum tubes (after the 90-Day Limited
Warranty), cartons, scratches on equipment enclosures, cables or accessories
used in conjunction with this product.
What we will do to correct problem
During the Warranty Period, we will repair or replace, at no charge, products
or parts of a product that proves defective due to defects in materials or
workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.
How To Obtain Service Under This Warranty:
You are responsible for transporting your product to (as well as from, in
the event that Lab12 finds no defect covered by this warranty) either Lab12 or
an authorized point and for payment of all shipping charges. Lab12 will pay
the return shipping charges (in the event you return the product to Lab12) if
the repairs are covered by warranty, provided that, Lab12 reserves the right
to choose the mode, the carrier and the timing of such return shipping (if
Lab12 finds that there are no defects covered by this warranty, then you shall
be responsible for all shipping charges).
Lab12 has authorized distribution in many countries of the world. In each
country, the authorized importing retailer or distributor has accepted the
responsibility for warranty of products sold by that retailer or distributor.
Warranty service should normally be obtained from the importing retailer or
distributor from whom you purchased your product. In the unlikely event that
the technical service required is not possible to be fulfilled through the
importer/distributor, this product must be returned to Lab12 main factory in
Greece to fulfill the terms of this Limited Warranty at the purchaser’s
expense (except purchasers that purchase their product directly from our main
facilities in Greece), along with the Warranty card and a copy of the proof of
purchase for the product. As mentioned above, the Warranty card must list the
date of purchase, the model, color and serial number of the product, the name
and address of the purchaser and the authorized dealer/importer/retailer
detailed sign. Additionally, you must provide detailed information on the
symptoms or difficulties you have observed with the product’s performance by
completing a technical support form that will be provided to you by the
authorized importing retailer, distributor or LAB12.
To obtain warranty service, you can also contact directly Lab12 at
contact@lab12.gr or +30-2102845173, to determine
the most appropriate solution for you. All warranty claims must be made in
writing accompanied by the Warranty card and a copy of the proof of purchase.
Lab12 Single Member Private Company
Contact@lab12.gr
www.lab12.gr
We wish you to enjoy your new device exactly as we enjoyed it when we built it
for you!
K. Varnali 57A, Metamorfosi, 14452, Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 2845173
Email: contact@lab12.gr
Web: www.lab12.gr