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Marchand Electronics LN108 phono preamp.(T$S)
Manufacturer: Marchand Electronics Inc., PO Box 18099, Rochester, NY 14618; 585/423-0462; www.marchandelec.com
Price: LN108-AA (assembled), $495; LN108-EZK (EZ kit) $396; LN108-KK (kit), $297
Source: Manufacturer loan
Marchand Electronics makes a number of products, including tube and solid state active electronic crossovers, MOSFET power amplifiers, preamps, bass equalizers, attenuators, and power supplies. Most of the products are available assembled or in kit form. The review unit was the factory-assembled version.
The tube-powered Marchand Electronics phono preamp requires an external transformer. Its RIAA network is passive. An internal voltage regulator supplies the 12VDC power for the tube filaments with a 15VDC input from a wall transformer. A DC/DC converter steps the 12V to 240VDC plate voltage. The manual states the LN108 has an 8 Hz subsonic filter (really an infrasonic filter). Its purpose is to prevent signals 8 Hz or lower from reaching the speakers and possibly causing odd sounds and/or damage. Frequency response is given as 20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.25 dB. Input impedance is 47 kOhm + 120 pf, output impedance is 500 ohm, and gain is 40 dB@ 1kHz. Maximum output voltage of the LN108 is 7v rms.
The LN108's black metal enclosure is 6-inches long x 3-1/4-inches wide x 2-inches high. On the top cover are imprinted the response curve, Marchand name, the model number and identification of the input, output, power and grounding connectors. Input and output are gold-plated standard phono plugs, while the connector for the grounding wire from the turntable is a binding post type connector. Marchand products have a two-year parts and labor warranty, as well as a 30-day return/refund policy.
When I first connected the Marchand Electronics phono preamp to my system, I found out three things. First, it required a short time to warm up because it is a tube preamp, rather than solid state (transistor). Second, the three tubes in an enclosure with no vent holes get a little warm. A thermometer set directly on top of the Marchand read 98[degrees]F in a room with an ambient temperature of 66[degrees]F. The Marchand temperature, measured the same way in warmer weather, registered a high of about 118 degrees. I left the unit plugged in all the time with no ill effects [Marchand reports that the unit has subsequently been modified by adding some vent holes to the case.--KWN]. Third, I was unable to compare it to my solid state Parasound phono preamp with any degree of assurance about sonic differences. By the time I turned off the system, unplugged the Marchand from the turntable and reconnected the Parasound, I had lost any sense of whether there might be any differences. Clearly, a means of switching between the two units was needed. The main preamp provided adjacent connections that could be used for two phono preamps. I wasn't sure my turntable could be connected to both phono preamps without interferences, hum, or other artifacts. It seemed unlikely there would be feedback, as only one phono preamp would be connected at any time to the system preamp. I bought a pair of Y connectors and connected the turntable cable to both phono preamps. I put a Y-connection on the grounding wire from the turntable and ran a wire to the grounding connectors on each ...
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Source: HighBeam Research, Marchand Electronics LN108 phono preamp.(T$S)