TW AD-1PRE+ Amplifier

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  • Regular price $1,375.00


 

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+Preamplifier Class A/B DAC ES9038 32bits 768kHz DSD512 

Photo of Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ preamplifier

The Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ is a versatilepreamplifier that offers a number of interesting features. In fact, it incorporates quality components such as an ES9038 DAC chip combined with two optical inputs, a CT7601PR USB interface, as well as a combination of no less than 9 AOPs (5x OPA1612, 4x OPA1632, 1x OPA1642) and a MUSES72323 volume controller. These components enable it to decode high-resolution streams up to PCM 32bit 768kHz and DSD up to DSD512, delivering a warm final sound with low noise and distortion over a wide dynamic range. When it comes to connectivity, the Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ preamplifier is also extremely complete. Inputs include 4 unbalanced RCA inputs, including two phono inputs (for MM and MC cells), one balanced XLR input, two coaxial SPDIF inputs, two Toslink optical inputs and one USB-B input. Outputs include 2 RCA line outputs and 1 XLR balanced line output. Finally, a trigger connector and remote control enhance the user experience.

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ highlights

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+: an audiophile amplification stage

As the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ is above all a Class A/B preamplifier, the brand has chosen audiophile components for its amplification stage. There are 5 AOP OPA1612, 4 AOP OPA1632 and 1 AOP OPA1642. These components deliver low-noise, low-distortion sound, for a pure, transparent signal at the AD-1PRE+'s outputs.

Photo des AOP du préamplificateur casque AD-1PRE+
Photo de la puce DAC ES9038 PRO et de l'interface USB CT7601PR du préamplificateur Tonewinner AD-1PRE+

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+: ES9038 DAC and CT7601PR USB interface

The AD-1PRE+'s optical and digital input interface incorporates an ESS Technology ES9038 32-bit DAC chip and USB interface. This enables this preamplifier to support high-resolution PCM 32bit 768kHz, DSD DoP256 and native DSD streams up to DSD512. In addition, it supports numerous formats such as SACD, ISO, DST and DFF. These features allow you to make the most of your music library, and to link a wide range of devices to the AD-1PRE+, from CD/SACD players to network players.

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+: Phono-compatible inputs

This preamplifier features two Phono-compatible RCA inputs, one MM-cell-compatible input and one MC-cell-compatible input. A very useful feature for fans of 33 rpm and 45 rpm records, who will be able to use the AD-1PRE+ directly with their turntable and enjoy their vinyl collection with a high-end Hi-Fi system.

Photo des entrées phono du préamplificateur Tonewinner AD-1PRE+

Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ preamplifier overview

Connection diagram of the Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ preamplifier
1 2x RCA stereo line outputs 
2 XLR balanced line output
3 2x RCA stereo inputs: MC phono compatible / MM phono compatible 
4 2x stereo RCA inputs (CD, AUX)
5 Balanced XLR input
6 2x SPDIF Coaxial inputs / 2x Toslink optical inputs
7 Trigger
8 USB-B input
9 GND
10 IEC power supply

Technical characteristics

SPECIFICATIONS
Product type Preamplificateur / DAC
Amplification class A/B
DAC chip ES9038
OPA 5x OPA1612
4x OPA1632
1x OPA1642
Volume control MUSES72323
Inputs 4x RCA stereo input (Phono MM, Phono MC, CD, AUX)
1x Balanced XLR input
2x SPDIF coaxial input
2x Toslink optical input
1x USB-B input
Outputs 2x RCA stereo output
1x XLR stereo output
Supported sample rates USB: PCM 32bit 768kHz, DSD DoP256, native DSD512
Optical: 24bit 192kHz, DSD DoP64
Supported audio formats SACD, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, OGG, WAV, AAC, MP3, WMA
Nominal input impedance 20 kΩ (analog inputs)
THD ≤ 0.0035% (1kHz)
SNR ≥ 110dB (A-weighted, direct analog)
Frequency response 10Hz-180kHz (+1/-3dB, direct analog)
Crosstalk ≥ 102dB (1kHz, analog)
GENERAL
Alimentation 110V-115V AC 60Hz, 220V-230V AC 50Hz
Dimensions 444 × 106 × 424mm
Net weight 9.7kg
Color Silver
Package 1x Tonewinner AD-1PRE+ preamplifier
1x Remote control
1x Power cable

Customer Reviews

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Michael Wright
Simply incredible. Mark Levinson, take notice.

Me and my buddy, for sheets and giggles purchased the ToneWinner AD-2PRO+ integrated amplifiers. We are goofy like that, a YouTube video featuring that amp caught my eye, so I called up Ed, and one of us said let's buy two and get a deal. So, we did, and we got a good deal. And then the journey started... And in a way, it ended.

I paired this ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ with the ToneWinner AD-2PRO+ integrated amplifier. Now why would I do that? Well, I wanted a few more connections, and figured if the integrated AD-2PRO+ DAC/Preamp section sounds incredible, so should this AD-1PRE+ unit, and it does, and even better... So, I called Ed, we each bought one, his in black, mine in silver and black, and got another deal... Neither of us are married, so we can get away with this stuff. ;-)

The build quality? It is first class across the board, built like a tank with the feel of a fine Swiss Watch. If they cut any corners on build quality, I have yet to find it. This is a gorgeous piece, both physically and sonically, especially in black.

I have been running it through its paces for around two weeks now, my friend has had his for around three weeks, we both listen to ours daily, along with communicating our findings, pretty much on a daily basis. Sonically, I have not found any faults in it when paired with the AD-2PRO+ amplifier. The DAC is incredible to say the least. We have ran it up against numerous DACs, and the ToneWinner is always the winner!

The DACs we have put up against the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+… These are just some of the DACs we own, and have owned, only being replaced when something better comes along. And right now, the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ is the KING of the HILL!

Bel Canto 3
Bel Canto 3.7
PS Audio Stellar Gaincell
PS Audio DirectStream MKI
Audio GD R28
Audio GD D28
Denafrips Ares II
Denafrips Venus II 12th
Schiit Gumby
SMSL SU-1 ;-)

The music myself and my buddy listen to, mainly Jazz and R&B, he has a vast library and we both stream. I can say, DSD sounds simply incredible over this DAC, as do SACDs. This has a very analog sound to it, and we sure do like it.

The DAC in this ToneWinner is something to be heard, it should not be discounted. I do not know what ToneWinner stuffed in there, we are thinking some sort of DSP magic is hidden in the circuitry. The way this DAC separates the instruments, being able to see where the individual musicians are on the stage is second to none, especially at this price point.

The midrange, the male and female voicing is the best out of the above bunch, everything comes across as very natural sounding, it puts the singer in the room with you. This is not a clinical sounding DAC. There is zero fatigue with this DAC, none that I have heard, and I will sit here for hours listening, as does my friend. We have no nagging women around, so we can do this. ;-)

The treble, or top end, no complaints, see the above, very natural sounding.

The Bass, that is handled incredibly well, it sounds tight when it is intended to, and mellow when it is meant to be, and there is just enough to go around to the point it is not overbearing. Bass is balanced and natural sounding. Well done ToneWinner!

Cables, especially speaker cables when paired up with the ToneWinner AD amplifiers, they will make a difference, and it is NOT SUBTLE. You do not need to A/B test cables, you can if you want, but in my brief time with these two units, the preamp and integrated, cable changes are very pronounced, it is damn scary. I have never owned gear like this, the sensitivity is simply nuts in my book.

The same can be said with linear power supplies on streamers and other DC powered gear.

The USB input of the AD-1PRE+, I was quite taken aback at the sound quality, I was actually blown away. I have never had a USB connection sound this good without a dedicated DDC in between.

The included remote. It is a nice solid aluminum remote, with each source clearly labeled. The volume control, it is smooth and in .25 db increments.

The analog input section, simply sounds incredible. I have a Cayin 220Ti FM Tuner hooked up via RCA, and I have never heard a stand alone FM tuner sound this good.

That brings me to the holographic ability of this pairing, the AD-2PRO+ amplifier and the AD-1PRE+ DAC/Preamp. The holographic abilities is silly good, very 3 dimensional, and very very cool.

This ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ simply takes the music to another level. I personally have not experienced such sonic perfection in anything I have owned, not like this, and not at this price. That Venus DAC cost more than these two pieces. .

Speakers, Zu DW6 Supremes, Magnepan LRS+, Fritz Carbon 7 SE MKII and Tyler Acoustic Woodmeres.

If you are in the market for a solid DAC/Preamp, the ToneWinner AD-1PRE+ should be at the top of your list, unless you plan on spending say $12,000 for that Mark Levinson integrated. ToneWinner AD-2PRO+ and AD-1PRE+, the end of the journey ...