Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 15 July 2021

Link: reviewed by Doug Schneider on SoundStage! Hi-Fi on July 15, 2021

General information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The Accuphase C-2850 was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms at the output before any measurements were taken. All measurements were taken with both channels driven.

The C-2850 (as tested) is an analog line-level preamp offering several balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs, and a headphone output (¼″ TRS). The volume control is implemented using a proprietary process Accuphase calls “Accuphase Analog Vari-gain Amplifier (AAVA).” This system works by converting the incoming analog signal from a voltage to a current in 16 weighted steps. Each step is digitally controlled and switched in or out of the circuit depending on the encoded position of the volume knob. The current from each step switched into the circuit is summed and converted back to a voltage. The 16 circuit steps are analogous to on/off bits, and therefore, the volume system allows for 65536 (2¹⁶) discrete positions. Accuphase has configured the volume control to provide 251 steps ranging from -95dB to 0dB. Between -95 and -85dB, step sizes are 5dB; between -80 and -74dB, 3dB; -74 to -60dB, 2dB; -60 to -50dB, 1 dB; -50 to -30dB, 0.5dB; -30 to -8, 0.2dB; and finally between -8 to 0dB, 0.1dB. Considering both the exquisite channel tracking (see table below) and the variable, ultra-fine adjustments, this may be the finest digitally controlled analog volume control available in a consumer product.

The C-2850 also offers three gain settings, both for line-level (12, 18, and 24dB) and for the headphone output (Low, Mid, and High). The preamp gain setting affects the headphone gain, where Low is -10dB relative the preamp setting, Mid is 0dB, and High is +10dB. This means there are nine possible gain settings for the headphone amp: 2, 8, 12, 14, 18, 22, 24, 28, and 34dB. Unless otherwise stated, all measurement data below were taken with the 12dB gain setting for the preamp, and the Mid gain setting for the headphone amp.

When using the unbalanced and balanced inputs and outputs, the C-2850 provides the same gain regardless of combination. That is to say, with the volume set to unity gain, if I fed 2Vrms into the unbalanced input, I measured 2Vrms at the unbalanced and balanced outputs. If I fed 2Vrms into the balanced input, I measured 2Vrms at the unbalanced and balanced outputs. It’s also important to highlight that Accuphase assigns pins 2/3 on their XLR connectors as inverting/noninverting, which is the opposite to what we typically find in North-American or European products. For example, if I fed an unbalanced input and measured phase at the balanced output, it was 180 degrees out-of-phase. To compensate for this, Accuphase provides a polarity-inverting switch on the front panel, which was tested and flips the polarity as advertised.

I found small differences in THD and noise between the RCA and XLR inputs and outputs for the same output voltage. The RCA outputs exhibited about 11dB (unweighted) more noise than the XLR outputs, while the RCA inputs (when measured at the XLR outputs) measured slightly worse in terms of THD compared to the XLR inputs (0.0005% vs 0.0003% at 1kHz). Unless otherwise stated, all measurement data below are with the balanced inputs and outputs, at 2Vrms with volume set to unity gain (-12dB). Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) were measured with the volume at maximum position.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Accuphase for the C-2850 compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Accuphase’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth is set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), assume, unless otherwise stated, a measurement input bandwidth of 10Hz to 90kHz, and the worst case measured result between the left and right channel.

* The discrepancy in balanced output impedance may be due to Accuphase specifying this value for the inverting and noninverting pins separately. Our measurement considers both inputs on the balanced connector together. Treated separately, our measurement would be halved, or 48k ohms.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level inputs (unless otherwise specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave, 2Vrms output into 200k ohms load, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth, 12dB gain setting):

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced analog input and the headphone output (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms output, 300 ohms loading, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth, 12dB and Mid gain setting):

Frequency response

In our measured frequency response plot above, the C-2850 is near perfectly flat within the audioband (20Hz to 20kHz). The blue/red traces are without the 10Hz filter engaged, the purple/green traces with the 10Hz filter. These data do not quite corroborate Accuphase’s claim of 3Hz to 200kHz +0/-3dB (measured down to 5Hz). While at the upper end of the frequency spectrum, the -3dB point was measured at 200kHz, at low frequencies, Accuphase’s claim would imply that the C-2850 is DC coupled, whereas our measurements indicate AC coupling. Nevertheless, at the extremes of the audioband, we measured only -0.35dB at 20Hz (-1dB with filter on) and -0.04dB at 20kHz. The C-2850 can be considered a high-bandwidth audio device. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Frequency response (Compensator dial 1, 2, and 3 positions)

Above are four frequency response plots for the balanced line-level input, with the Compensator control set to Off (blue/red), 1 (purple/light green), 2 (pink/cyan), and 3 (brown/dark green). We see what appears to be conventional bass-control EQ with various degrees of gain. At position 1, just under +3dB at 20Hz, position 2 yields about +5.5dB at 20Hz, and position 3 about +8.3dB.

Phase response

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz, with the Phase control disabled (blue/red) and enabled (purple/green). The C-2850 does not invert polarity, while setting the Phase control to Invert does exactly that—it provides -180 degrees of shift. Since these data were collected using the balanced input and output, there is no phase inversion. However, since Accuphase assigns pins 2/3 on their XLR connectors as inverting/noninverting, the opposite to what we typically find in North American or European products, feeding the signal into an unbalanced input and measuring on the balanced output would yield the exact opposite of what is shown above.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency

The chart above shows THD ratios at the output as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a 2Vrms sine-wave input stimulus. The blue and red plots are for left and right into 200k ohms, while purple/green (L/R) are into 600 ohms. THD values are very low, near 0.0001% around 50-60Hz 20Hz, and around 0.0003-0.0004% through most of the audioband. The worst-case THD values are at 20Hz (0.001%) and 20kHz (0.001% into 600 ohms and 0.0007% into 200k ohms). Overall, the 600 and 200k-ohms load THD data are nearly identical.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage at 1kHz

The plot above shows THD ratios measured at the output of the C-2850  as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sine wave. At the 10mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.003%, dipping down to around 0.00009% at 0.4Vrms. The “knee” occurs at around 7Vrms, hitting the 1% THD just past 8Vrms.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage at 1kHz

The plot above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output the C-2850 as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave. At the 10mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 0.05%, dipping down to around 0.0005% from 1.5 to 5Vrms.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus at 2Vrms, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is at -110dBrA or 0.0003%, while the third harmonic, at 3 kHz, is at -125dBrA or 0.00005%. Below 1kHz, we see some noise artifacts, with the 60Hz peak due to power supply noise visible at -145/-130dBrA (left/right), or 0.000006/0.00002%, and the 120Hz (second harmonic) peak just below -130dBrA.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sinewave stimulus at 2Vrms measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. Here we find the second harmonic of the signal (100Hz) and the third harmonic of the signal (150Hz) at -120/-125dBrA respectively, or 0.0001/0.00006%. The worst-case power supply peak is at 120Hz measuring just below -130dBrA, or 0.00003%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz are at and just above -120dBrA, or 0.0001%.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz square-wave response at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the C-2850’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its high bandwidth. An ideal square wave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The C-2850’s reproduction of the 10kHz square wave is squeaky clean, with very sharp edges devoid of undershoot and overshoot.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 15 November 2023

Link: reviewed by Jason Thorpe on SoundStage! Ultra on November 15, 2023

General information

All measurements were taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The Angela-Gilbert Yeung C312 was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms at the output before any measurements were taken. All measurements were taken with both channels driven.

The C312 under test offers three sets of line-level unbalanced (RCA) inputs, two sets of line-level balanced (XLR) inputs, one set of unbalanced outputs, two set of balanced outputs, and a set of fixed line-level unbalanced outputs. There was no difference in terms of gain between unbalanced and balanced inputs, while there was a 6dB increase in terms of gain for the balanced outputs compared to the unbalanced outputs. There was effectively no difference in terms of THD and noise between balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs; however, 1kHz FFTs are included in this report with all four i/o combinations for comparison purposes. The volume control does not have a numerical display. Based on the accuracy and non-repeatable nature of the channel deviation (table below), the volume control is a potentiometer operating in the analog domain.

The C312 is a very unusual preamp, as it offers three different adjustments on the front panels via three dials. These are labeled Warm, Tube S, and SS. Unless otherwise stated, measurements were made with the volume set to unity gain, using the XLR inputs and outputs, with a 2Vrms input, and the three control dials set to the same positions as were used by the reviewer Jason Thorpe (for the most part): Warm and Tube S at the 10 o’clock position (about 1/3 of full deflection), and SS at the 9 o’clock position (about ¼ of full deflection). The short description as to what these dials do is to control the gain of various stages in the preamp. If the dials are set to minimum, there is no usable output from the preamp with the volume at maximum, while the total gain measured from the preamp with all dials at maximum is an astonishing 52dB (in order to avoid clipping, a very small input signal of 10mVrms was applied). At the end of this report, an attempt was made to characterize the measured difference (if any) to the output signal that the dials have when adjusted.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Primary measurements

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level inputs (unless otherwise specified, assume a 1kHz sine wave, 2Vrms input and output into 200k-ohm load, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth):

Frequency response

In our measured frequency response (relative to 1kHz) plot above, the C312 is essentially flat within the audioband (0dB at 20Hz, less than -0.1dB at 20kHz). The C312 appears to be AC-coupled, as it yielded about -0.2dB of deviation at 5Hz. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace) and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Phase response

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz. The C312 does not invert polarity, and it yielded a worst-case -20 degrees of phase shift at 20kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency

The plot above shows THD ratios at the output as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a sinewave input stimulus. The blue and red plots are for left and right into 200k ohms, while purple/green (L/R) are into 600 ohms. THD values range from 0.0003-0.0005% from 20Hz to 200Hz, then up to 0.02% at 20kHz into 200k ohms. Into a 600-ohm load, THD ratios were nearly identical, but 2-3dB higher through most of the frequency sweep.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD ratios measured at the output of the C312 as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave, with the volume set to maximum. At the 10mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.1%, dipping down to around 0.0004% at 5-6Vrms, followed by a rise to 0.0007% at the “knee,” at around 12Vrms. The 1% THD point is reached at 13.5Vrms. It’s also important to mention that anything above 2-4Vrms is not typically required to drive most power amps to full power.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output of the C312 as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave, with the volume set to maximum. At the 10mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 1%, dipping down to around 0.0015% at 12Vrms.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load, for the balanced inputs and outputs. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is at around -100dBrA, or 0.001%, while the third harmonic, at 3kHz, is much lower at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%. Higher order harmonics are non-existent above the -130dBrA noise floor. Below 1kHz, we can see power-supply-related noise peaks at the fundamental (60Hz) and second harmonic (120Hz) at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, and higher harmonics at -115dBrA, or 0.0002%, and below.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and balanced outputs. The FFT is essentially identical to the balanced-in/balanced-out FFT above.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and outputs. Again, the FFT is essentially identical to the balanced-in/balanced-out FFT above.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the balanced inputs and unbalanced outputs. Yet again, the FFT is essentially identical to the balanced in/balanced out FFT above.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sinewave stimulus measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. The most predominant non-signal peaks are from the power-supply-related noise peaks at 60/120Hz at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%. The second (100Hz) and third (150Hz) signal harmonics are very low at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -120/-115dBrA, or 0.0001/0.0002%. This is a clean IMD result.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (line-level input, APx 32 tone, 24/96)

Shown above is the FFT of the speaker-level output of the C312 with the APx 32-tone signal applied to the input. The combined amplitude of the 32 tones is the 0dBrA reference, and corresponds to 10W into 8 ohms. The intermodulation products—i.e., the “grass” between the test tones—are distortion products from the preamplifier and below the -120dBrA, or 0.0001%, level. This is another clean IMD result. The peaks that reach the -110dBrA level at lower frequencies are not IMD products but power-supply-related noise peaks.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz squarewave response at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the C312’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its relatively high bandwidth. An ideal squarewave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The C312’s reproduction of the 10kHz squarewave is clean, with only mild softening in the corners.

What do the Warm, Tube S, and SS control dials do?

Each dial controls the gain in different stages of the preamp. The Warm dial provides the most significant changes in gain: from -42dB to +27.8dB (with the other two dials held at the 9 o’clock position). Both the Tube S and SS dials varied the gain from about -10dB to +15dB (in each case with the other two dials held at the 9 o’clock position). The effects of changing each dial, while maintaining the other two dials at the 9 o’clock position, were explored. When varying the dial positions, we found no appreciable changes in terms of: frequency response, phase, crosstalk, and output impedance. Because each dial affects gain, we predictably found changes in terms of noise and distortion (and IMD). In terms of the dials yielding differences in noise and distortion from one dial to the other, we found the effects of varying Tube S and SS to be essentially identical, while Warm yielded more distortion, with more high frequency harmonics.

We first explored changing the dials while maintaining low distortion, and below are the 1kHz FFTs with each dial at the 3 o’clock position, while maintaining the other two dials at the 9 o’clock position. In each case, an input voltage of 1Vrms was maintained and an output of 2Vrms (using the volume control). We found that with the Warm dial set to 3 o’clock, there was more distortion with a clear peak at the third harmonic (3kHz) at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, that was not there when Tube S and SS were set to the same position. Having the Warm dial set to the 3 o’clock position did yield less noise compared to when Tube S and SS were set to the same position; however, this may be due to having the overall volume set to a lower position. There was absolutely no difference in the 1kHz FFTs between Tube S and SS set to the 3 o’clock position.

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Warm at 3 o’clock)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Tube S at 3 o’clock)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (SS at 3 o’clock)

We then explored changing the dials to achieve high distortion (~5% THD). This was done with a baseline of maintaining all dials at the 12 o’clock position with a 2Vrms input, and 2Vrms output, then adjusting one dial at a time to achieve 5% THD, all the while adjusting the overall volume to maintain 2Vrms at the output. We also included a scope capture to display the shape of the 1kHz waveform. In addition, we show an FFT and scope capture for the scenario where Warm is set to maximum. We found that the Warm dial yields “harder” clipping, which can be seen in the distorted peaks of the sinewaves compared to when Tube S and SS were adjusted to yield 5% THD. Once again, no differences were seen between Tube S and SS in the 5% THD scenario.

FFT spectrum—1kHz (all dials at 12 o’clock—the baseline)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Warm causing 5% THD)

Scope—1kHz (Warm causing 5% THD)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (TUBE S causing 5% THD)

Scope—1kHz (TUBE S causing 5% THD)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (SS causing 5% THD)

Scope—1kHz (SS causing 5% THD)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Warm at maximum)

Scope—1kHz (Warm at maximum)

Because adjusting Tube S and SS seemed to yield identical results, we explored this further by maintaining Warm at the 10 o’clock position and alternating between Tube S at maximum with SS at minimum, and vice versa, while maintaining the input at 1Vrms and the output at 2Vrms. Below you will find FFTs for a 1kHz sinewave, IMD (CCIF, 18+19kHz, 1:1) and 32-tone, as well as frequency response. We also explored (not shown) IMD (SMPTE, 60Hz+7kHz, 4:1), crosstalk, phase, and output impedance. With the exception of a very small difference in frequency response, there were absolutely no differences between Tube S and SS adjustments. With the Tube S set to maximum, there was a small dip at very low frequencies (-0.2dB at 5Hz), whereas with SS set to maximum, we measured 0dB at 5Hz. This would be inaudible.

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Tube S maximum, SS minimum)

FFT spectrum—1kHz (Tube S minimum, SS maximum)

FFT spectrum—IMD (Tube S maximum, SS minimum)

FFT spectrum—IMD (Tube S minimum, SS maximum)

FFT spectrum—32-tone (Tube S maximum, SS minimum)

FFT spectrum—32-tone (Tube S minimum, SS maximum)

Frequency response (Tube S maximum, SS minimum)

Frequency response (Tube S minimum, SS maximum)

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 01 June 2025

Link: reviewed by Roger Kanno on SoundStage! Simplifi on June 1, 2025

General Information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The Bluesound Node Icon was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms in/out into 200k ohms before any measurements were taken.

The Node Icon offers one RCA analog input and four digital inputs—optical S/PDIF, USB-C, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth—plus network streaming. There are two analog outputs (XLR and RCA). Also included are a line-level sub-out (with internal bass management) and a ¼″ TRS headphone output. For the purposes of these measurements, unless otherwise stated, the following inputs were evaluated using the balanced XLR outputs: digital optical S/PDIF, analog (RCA), and the headphone output. Comparisons were made between unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs, and no appreciable differences were seen other than twice the gain over the balanced outputs (FFTs for different configurations can be seen in this report).

Most measurements were made with a 2Vrms line-level and 0dBFS digital input with the volume set to achieve 2Vrms at the output. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were made with the same input signal values and for comparison, on the line-level input, a SNR measurement was also made with the volume at maximum, but with a lower input voltage to achieve the same 2Vrms output.

Based on the repeatability of the results of the left/right volume channel matching (see table below), the Icon volume control is digitally controlled and operating in the digital domain. The icon automatically digitizes the analog input, which allows it to perform DSP functions such as bass/treble control and bass management. The Icon offers a volume range of -85dB to +3.7dB for the analog input over balanced outputs, in 100 steps. Steps range between 0.5 and 1dB in size.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Bluesound for the Node Icon compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Bluesound’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth was set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), unless otherwise stated, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms or 0dBFS at the input, 2Vrms at the output into 200k ohms, and a measurement input bandwidth of 10Hz to 22.4kHz, and the worst-case measured result between the left and right channels.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level analog input and digital optical input (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms or 0dBFS, 2Vrms output, 200k ohm loading, 10Hz to 22.4kHz bandwidth):

* Due to very low noise of DUT, analyzer self-noise has been removed from measurement to more accurately report value

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the digital optical input (gain was measured using the analog input) at the headphone output (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave, 0dBFS 24/96  input, 2Vrms output, 300 ohms loading, 10Hz to 22.4kHz bandwidth):

* Default is 24/96 0dBFS in, 2Vrms out into 300 ohms

Frequency response (line-level input)

In our measured frequency-response (relative to 1kHz) plot above, the Node Icon is near perfectly flat within the audioband (0dB at 20Hz, -0.2dB at 20kHz). At the extremes, the Node Icon is -0.25dB at 5Hz and -5dB at roughly 23kHz. The Node Icon digitizes incoming analog signals with a 48kHz sample rate. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Frequency response with crossover at 80Hz (line-level input)

Above is the frequency response plot (relative to 20Hz for the sub-out, 1kHz for the line-level XLR out) for the Node Icon with bass management engaged in the BluOS app, applying an 80Hz crossover point. The crossover point is correctly applied, with attenuation at 18dB per octave.

Phase response (line-level analog input)

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz for the analog line level input. The Node Icon does not invert polarity. Because of the sampling of the input by the ADC, absolute phase is extremely high (-2 million degrees at 20kHz) because it includes timing delays due to digitization. Below is a phase plot which aims to show only excess phase (excluding timing delays).

Phase response (line-level analog input, excess only)

There is essentially no phase shift up to just past 10kHz, then a spike to +160000 degrees just below 20kHz, then down to -100000 degrees at 20kHz.

Frequency response vs. input type

The chart above shows the Node Icon’s frequency response (relative to 1kHz) as a function of input type. The dark green trace is the same analog input data from the previous graph. The blue/red traces are for a 16bit/44.1kHz dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 22kHz using the optical input, the purple/green traces are for a 24/96 dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 48kHz, and finally pink/orange at 24/192 from 5Hz to 96kHz. The behavior at low frequencies is the same for all the digital sample rates; perfectly flat (0dB) down to 5Hz, as opposed to the analog signal which is -0.25dB at 5Hz. The behavior at high frequencies for all three digital sample rates differ. We see sharp, but not quite "brick-wall" filtering around 20kHz for the 16/44.1 data, with a -3dB point at 21kHz. The -3dB point for the 24/96 sampled data is at 35kHz, with a slower high-frequency roll-off. The -3dB point for the 24/192 sampled data is at 47kHz, with the slowest high-frequency roll-off. Case-in-point, the 24/192 data shows a -0.1dB at 10kHz response, while all other sample rates are at 0dB at 10kHz. 

Digital linearity (16/44.1 and 24/96 data)

The chart above shows the results of a linearity test for the coaxial digital input (the optical input performed identically) for both 16/44.1 (blue/red) and 24/96 (purple/green) input data, measured at the outputs of the Node Icon. For this test, the digital input is swept with a dithered 1kHz input signal from -120dBFS to 0dBFS, and the output is analyzed by the APx555. The ideal response would be a straight flat line at 0dB. At -120dBFS, the 16/44.1 data overshot by only 1-2dB, while the 24/96 remained perfect. To verify how well the 24/96 data would perform down to -140dBFS, we extended the sweep in the chart below.

Here we can see that the 24/96 data only overshot the mark by +1dB (left) at -135 to -140dBFS. This is an outstanding digital-linearity test result.

Impulse response (24/48 data)

The graph above shows the impulse response for a looped 24/44.1 test file that moves from digital silence to full 0dBFS (all “1”s) for one sample period then back to digital silence, measured at the balanced outputs of the Node Icon. We can see that the Node Icon utilizes a reconstruction filter that favors no pre-ringing.

J-Test (optical input)

The chart above shows the results of the J-Test test for the optical digital input measured at the balanced line-level output of the Node Icon. J-Test was developed by Julian Dunn the 1990s. It is a test signal—specifically, a -3dBFS undithered 12kHz squarewave sampled (in this case) at 48kHz (24 bits). Since even the first odd harmonic (i.e., 36kHz) of the 12kHz squarewave is removed by the bandwidth limitation of the sampling rate, we are left with a 12kHz sinewave (the main peak). In addition, an undithered 250Hz squarewave at -144dBFS is mixed with the signal. This test file causes the 22 least-significant bits to constantly toggle, which produces strong jitter spectral components at the 250Hz rate and its odd harmonics. The test file shows how susceptible the DAC and delivery interface are to jitter, which would manifest as peaks above the noise floor at 500Hz intervals (e.g. 250Hz, 750Hz, 1250Hz, etc). Note that the alternating peaks are in the test file itself, but at levels of -144dBrA and below.  The test file can also be used in conjunction with artificially injected sinewave jitter by the Audio Precision, to show how well the DAC rejects jitter.

The optical input of the Node Icon shows a strong J-Test result, with several spurious peaks but at and below the low level of -140dBrA.

J-Test (optical, 2kHz sinewave jitter at 100ns)

The chart above shows the results of the J-Ttest test for the optical digital input measured at the line-level output of the Node Icon, with an additional 100ns of 2kHz sinewave jitter injected by the APx555. The results are essentially the same as the J-Test result without additional jitter. More evidence of strong jitter rejection.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the Node Icon’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red) and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at -2dBFS (0dB caused clipping) fed to the optical digital input, sampled at 16/44.1. The shallow roll-off around 20kHz in the white-noise spectrum shows that the Node Icon seems to use a reconstruction filter (for 16/44.1 content) with a high-frequency roll-off somewhere between slow and fast. There are no obvious aliased images within the audioband. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is barely suppressed at -20dBrA.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. load (analog)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms (blue/red) and 600 ohms (purple/green) as a function of frequency for the analog inputs. THD data at the two different loads are extremely close, except beyond 10kHz, where the 600-ohm load results are roughly 10dB higher. Because the analog input is sampled at 48kHz and bandwidth is limited beyond 20kHz, THD results above 6kHz are not reliable as the signal harmonics above this point are highly suppressed by the ADC process. THD ratios are very low and slightly lower (3-4dB) for the right channel, hovering between 0.0004% and 0.0006% from 20Hz to 5kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. sample rate (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms for a 16/44.1 (blue/red) dithered signal at the optical input and a 24/96 (purple/green) signal, as a function of frequency. The 16/44.1 THD ratios were higher than the 24/96 THD ratios due to the increased noise floor from the lower bit-depth (the analyzer cannot assign a THD ratio for harmonic peaks it cannot see above the noise floor). From 20Hz to 1.5kHz, the 16/44.1 THD ratios are stable at 0.0002-0.0003%, while the 24/96 THD data for the right channel is extremely low at 0.00004%. The left channel at 24/96 was stable at 0.0001% from 20Hz to 1.5kHz. Just shy of and beyond 2kHz, there is a steep rise in all THD data, peaking beyond 1% at 20kHz for the 16/44.1 data. This is not a purely frequency dependent phenomenon, but rather an issue with distortion with an input signal magnitude of 0dBFS. We reached out to Lenbrook Industries (Bluesound's parent company) to ask if they were aware of this issue. They responded that they were aware, that overload at 0dBFS from steady-state signals (sinewaves) is a conseqeunce of their special filters (though overload with musical signals should not occur), and finally that the sofware team was looking at making some adjustments to fix the issue. Below are the same plots, but with a -2dBFS input signal. We see . . .

. . . very different results beyond 2kHz, with THD ratios never exceeding 0.0002%.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the Node Icon as a function of output voltage for the analog line level-input, with the volume at maximum. THD values start at 0.15% at 1mVrms, down to a low of 0.0002% at 1-2Vrms, then a steep rise past 3Vrms to the 1% THD mark at 3.8Vrms. For the Node Icon, clipping is occurring at the input of the ADC, not at the analog output stage.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the Node Icon as a function of output voltage for the balanced line-level -input, with the volume control at maximum. THD+N values start at 1.5% at 1mVrms, down to a low of 0.0006% at 3Vrms, then a steep rise past 3Vrms to the 1% THD mark at 3.8Vrms.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the Node Icon as a function of output voltage for the digital optical input, swept from -90dBFS to 0dBFS, with the volume control at maximum. Blue/red traces are for 16/44.1 data and purple/green for 24/96. For the 16/44.1 data, THD values start at 3%, and predictably, reach their low at the maximum output voltage of about 3.8Vrms, at 0.0002%. For the 24/96 data, THD ratios ranged from 0.05% down to 0.00005% (right channel) at the maximum output voltage.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the Node Icon as a function of output voltage for the digital optical input, swept from -90dBFS to 0dBFS, with the volume control at maximum. Blue/red traces are for 16/44.1 data and purple/green for 24/96. For the 16/44.1 data, THD+N values start at 30% and reach their low at the maximum output voltage of about 3.8Vrms, at 0.002%. For the 24/96 data, THD+N ratios ranged from 0.5% down to just above 0.0001% at the maximum output voltage.

Intermodulation distortion vs. generator level (SMPTE, 60Hz:4kHz, 4:1, 16/44.1, 24/96)

The chart above shows intermodulation distortion (IMD) ratios measured at balanced output for 16/44.1 (blue/red) input data and 24/96 input data (purple/green), from -60dBFS to 0dBFS. Here, the SMPTE IMD method was used, where the primary frequency (F1 = 60Hz) and the secondary frequency (F2 = 7kHz) are mixed at a ratio of 4:1. The SMPTE IMD analysis results consider the second (F2 ± F1) through the fifth (F2 ± 4xF1) modulation products. The 16/44.1 data yields IMD ratios from 2% down to 0.002% at 0dBFS. The 24/96 data yields IMD ratios from 0.1% down to 0.0005% (right channel) at 0dBFS.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (analog line-level input, XLR output)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the line-level input. We see that the signal’s second (2kHz) harmonic is at -120dBrA, or 0.0001%, the third (3kHz) harmonic is at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, and the fifth (5kHz) harmonic is at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%. Other signal harmonics can be seen, but around the very low -140dBrA, or 0.00001%, level. Below 1kHz, there are essentially no peaks above the -150dBrA noise floor. Also evident are peaks at 47Kz and 49kHz, proof of the 48kHz sampling of the signal.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (analog line-level input, RCA output)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the unbalanced outputs for the line-level input. In terms of signal harmonics, this FFT is identical to the FFT above for balanced outputs. Noise artifacts are evident here (unlike the FFT above for the balanced outputs), but at very low levels (at and below -130dBrA, or 0.00003%).

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the optical digital input, sampled at 16/44.1. We only see one peak, the second (2kHz) signal harmonic for the left channel at -120dBrA, or 0.0001%.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the optical digital input, sampled at 24/96. We see several spurious noise related noise peaks above the -160dBrA noise floor but at very low levels (-140 to -150dBrA). The second (2kHz) and fifth (5kHz) signal harmonic is at -135dBrA, or 0.00002%, while the third (3kHz) harmonic is at -120/-140dBrA (left/right), or 0.0001/0.00001%.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the FFT for a 1kHz -90dBFS dithered 16/44.1 input sinewave stimulus at the optical digital input, measured at the balanced outputs. We see the 1kHz primary signal peak, at the correct amplitude, and no signal or noise related harmonic peaks above the -140dBrA noise floor.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the FFT for a 1kHz -90dBFS dithered 24/96 input sinewave stimulus at the optical digital input, measured at the balanced outputs. We see the 1kHz primary signal peak, at the correct amplitude, and a signal related harmonic peak (left channel only) at 5kHz at around -145dBrA, or 0.000006%. Other noise-related peaks can be seen but at the extremely low -150dBrA, or 0.000003%, level.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz (line-level input)

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sinewave stimulus measured at the balanced outputs for the line-level input. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. The most predominant (non-signal) peaks are that of the signal’s third (150Hz) harmonic at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%. Other signal harmonic peaks can be seen at and below -120dBrA, or 0.0001%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, line-level input)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the line-level input. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 10W (0dBrA) into 8 ohms at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -120dBrA or 0.0001%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz are at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%. This is a very clean IMD result.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (line-level input, APx 32 tone)

Shown above is the FFT of the balanced outputs of the Node Icon with the APx 32-tone signal applied to the input. The combined amplitude of the 32 tones is the 0dBrA reference, and corresponds to 2Vrms. The intermodulation products—i.e., the “grass” between the test tones—are distortion products from the preamplifier and are around the -130dBrA, or 0.00003%, level.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, coaxial digital input, 16/44.1)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the digital optical input at 16/44.1. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) cannot be seen above the -135dBrA noise floor, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%. We also see the main aliased peaks at 25.1kHz and 26.1kHz at around -30dBrA.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, coaxial digital input, 24/96)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the digital optical input at 24/96. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -140/-150dBrA (left/right), or 0.00001/0.000003%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -125dBrA or 0.00006%.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz squarewave response using the analog line-level input, at roughly 2Vrms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the Node Icon’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its very limited  bandwidth. An ideal squarewave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. Here, only the fundamental 10kHz frequency can be seen, as a sinewave.

Square-wave response (1kHz)

Above is the 1kHz squarewave response using the analog line-level input, at roughly 2Vrms. Due to the very limited bandwidth of the Node Icon due to its 48kHz sampling of analog signals, the 1kHz squarewave reproduction is poor, with significant ringing in the plateaus.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 15 June 2021

Link: reviewed by Gordon Brockhouse on SoundStage! Simplifi on June 15, 2021

General Information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The BR-20 was conditioned for 30 minutes at 0dBFS (4Vrms out) into 200k ohms before any measurements were taken.

The BR-20 offers a multitude of digital and analog inputs, two balanced outputs (XLR) and one headphone output (1/4″ TRS). Comparisons were made between unbalanced and balanced line-level inputs, and aside from the 6dB extra voltage gain seen when using the unbalanced inputs, no difference was measured in terms of THD+N. Comparisons were made between optical, coaxial, and AES/EBU digital inputs; no differences were seen in terms of THD+N. For the measurements below, unless otherwise specified, the coaxial digital input (0dBFS), and the balanced analog input (2 or 4Vrms) were used, with the volume control set to unity gain (0dB). With the volume set to unity, a 0dBFS digital input yields 4Vrms at the output. Signal-to-noise and dynamic-range measurements were made with the volume at maximum (12dB gain).

The BR-20 analog volume control is digitally controlled and offers a range from -67dB to +12dB in 0.5dB steps (except below -30dB, where gain steps range from 4 to 1dB).

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Bryston for the BR-20 compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Bryston’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth is set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), assume a measurement input bandwidth of 10Hz to 90kHz, 200k ohms load, and the worst case measured result between the left and right analog balanced input.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the coaxial digital input, the balanced analog input and the balanced line-level outputs (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 0dBFS or 4Vrms, 200k ohms loading, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth):

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced analog input and the headphone output (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms output, 300 ohms loading, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth):

Frequency response (analog)

In our measured frequency response plot above, the BR-20 is perfectly flat within the audioband (20Hz to 20kHz), and only about -0.25dB at 100kHz. These data corroborate Bryston’s claim of 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.5dB. The BR-20 can be considered a high-bandwidth audio device. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue, purple or orange trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red, green or pink trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Frequency response vs. input type (16/44.1, 24/96, 24/192, analog)

The plot above shows the BR-20’s frequency response as a function of sample rate. The blue/red traces are for a 16bit/44.1kHz dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 22kHz, the purple/green traces are for a 24/96 dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 48kHz, and finally orange/pink represents 24/192 from 5Hz to 96kHz. In addition, for comparison, the analog frequency response is shown in green (up to 80kHz). The behavior at lower frequencies is the same for all plots; perfectly flat down to 5Hz. The behavior at high frequencies for all three digital sample rates is as expected, offering sharp filtering around 22k, 48k, and 96kHz (half the respective sample rates). The -3dB point for each sample rate is roughly 21, 45 and 58kHz, respectively. It is also obvious from the plots above that the 44.1kHz sampled input signal offers the most “brick-wall” type behavior, while the attenuation of the 96kHz and 192kHz sampled input signals approaching the corner frequencies (48kHz and 96kHz) is more gentle.

Phase response (analog)

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz for the analog balanced input. The BR-20 does not invert polarity, and the plot shows essentially no phase shift.

Phase response vs. sample rate  (16/44.1, 24/96, 24/192)

Above are the phase response plots from 20Hz to 20kHz for the coaxial input, measured at balanced output. The blue/red traces are for a dithered 16/44.1 input at 0dBFS, the purple/green for 24/96, and the orange/pink for 24/192. We can see that the BR-20 introduces an inversion of polarity (+180 degrees) with digital signals. At 20kHz, the phase shift is at around -80 degrees (from the +180 degree baseline) for the 16/44.1 input data and +70 degrees for the 24/96 input data. The 24/192 input data shows just over +20 degrees at 20kHz.

NOTE: We were supplied with an early sample of the BR-20. Bryston has indicated to us that they have since addressed the phase inversion issue. According to Bryston, current BR-20s do not exhibit phase inversion on the digital inputs.

Digital linearity (16/44.1 and 24/96 data)

The graph above shows the results of a linearity test for the coaxial digital input (the optical input performed identically) for both 16/44.1 (blue/red) and 24/96 (purple/green) input data, measured at the balanced line-level output of the BR-20. The digital input is swept with a dithered 1kHz input signal from -120dBFS to 0dBFS, and the output is analyzed by the APx555. The ideal response is a straight flat line at 0dB (i.e., the amplitude of the digital input perfectly matches the amplitude of the measured analog output). Both input data types exhibited exemplary linearity. The 16/44.1 data showed a worst-case deviation of only +2dB at -120dBFS, while the 24/96 was essentially perfect (i.e., flat) down to -120dBFS. The sweep was also performed down to -140dBFS to test the limits of the BR-20. Predictably, the 16/44.1 data showed significant deviations below -120dBFS; however, the 24/96 data tracked the input stimuli extremely well all the way down to -140dBFS, showing a worst-case deviation of only -3.5dB at -135dBFS.

Impulse response (16/44.1 and 24/96 data)

The graph above shows the impulse responses for a -20dBFS 16/44.1 dithered input stimulus (blue), and -20dBFS 24/96 dithered input stimulus (purple), measured at the balanced line level output of the BR-20. The implemented filter appears to be designed for minimized pre-impulse ringing. This chart also shows that the BR-20 inverts the polarity of digital input signals.

NOTE: We were supplied with an early sample of the BR-20. Bryston has indicated to us that they have since addressed the phase inversion issue. According to Bryston, current BR-20s do not exhibit phase inversion on the digital inputs.

J-Test (coaxial input)

The plot above shows the results of the J-Test test for the coaxial digital input measured at the balanced line-level output of the BR-20. The J-Test was developed by Julian Dunn the 1990s. It is a test signal, specifically a -3dBFS, undithered, 12kHz, 24-bit square wave sampled (in this case) at 48kHz. Since even the first odd harmonic (i.e., 36kHz) of the 12kHz square wave is removed by the bandwidth limitation of the sampling rate, we are left with a 12kHz sinewave (the main peak). In addition, an undithered 250Hz square wave at -144dBFS is mixed with the signal. This test file causes the 22 least-significant bits to constantly toggle, which produces strong jitter spectral components at the 250Hz rate and its odd harmonics. The test file shows how susceptible the DAC and delivery interface are to jitter, which would manifest as peaks above the noise floor at 500Hz intervals (e.g., 250Hz, 750Hz, 1250Hz, etc). Note that the alternating peaks are in the test file itself, but at levels of -144dBrA (fundamental at 250Hz) down to -170dBrA for the odd harmonics.  The test file can also be used in conjunction with artificially injected sinewave jitter by the Audio Precision, to also show how well the DAC rejects jitter.

The coaxial input shows a virtually perfect J-test FFT. The -144dBrA 250Hz tone (which is in the file) can just be seen above the noise floor, and, with the exception of a small peak below 6kHz, there are virtually no other artifacts above the noise floor. This is an indication that the BR-20 should not be sensitive to jitter.

To test jitter immunity further, the APx555 was used to artificially inject 2kHz sinewave jitter. Without any jitter rejection by the DAC, this would manifest in the FFT as sideband peaks at 10kHz and 14kHz. However, even with the maximum allowable jitter magnitude of 1592ns, no peaks were seen. This is another indication that the BR-20 is essentially impervious to jitter.

J-Test (optical input)

The optical input shows essentially the same J-test FFT result as the coaxial input. There is a visible peak just above 6kHz, higher in amplitude than for the coaxial input, but still vanishingly low at just below -140dBrA.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input)

The plot above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the BR-20’s balanced line-level output with white noise at -4dBFS (blue/red), and a 19.1kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1 (purple/green). The sharp roll-off above 20kHz in the white noise spectrum shows the implementation of the brick-wall-type reconstruction filter. There are absolutely no imaged aliasing artifacts in the audioband above the -135dBrA noise floor. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is at -100dBrA, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz tone range from the same level up to -80dBrA.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. load (analog)

The plot above shows THD ratios at the output of the BR-20 as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a sinewave input stimulus of 2Vrms at the analog balanced input. The blue and red plots are for the left and right channels into 200k ohms, while purple/green (left/right) are into 600 ohms. THD values are extremely low: about 0.00005-0.00008% into 200k ohms from 20Hz to 3kHz, climbing to 0.0004% at 20kHz. The 600-ohm data yielded slightly higher THD values, especially at the extremes (20Hz and 20kHz), where THD values were measured at 0.0006% and just above 0.001% (right channel). At 600 ohms, the left channel outperformed the right by about 5dB, starting above 50Hz. It’s important to point out that the BR-20’s analog input THD performance is not too far from the limits of the APx555 analyzer, which is about 0.000015% at this voltage level.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. load (24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms (blue/red) and 600 ohms (purple/green) as a function of frequency for a 24/96, dithered, 1kHz 0dBFS signal at the coaxial digital input. The 200k and 600 ohms data are very close from 50Hz to 1kHz, hovering around a very low 0.0007%. At the frequency extremes, THD increased into 600 ohms vs 200k ohms, where we see 0.003% vs 0.0007% at 20Hz, and 0.015% vs 0.01% at 20kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. sample rate (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms as a function of frequency for a 16/44.1 (blue/red) and a 24/96 (purple/green) dithered 1kHz 0dBFS signal at the coaxial digital input. Both data input types performed almost identically. We see THD values around 0.0007% from 20Hz to 1kHz, then a climb to 0.01% at 20kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the output the BR-20 as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave at the balanced analog input. For this sweep, the volume was set to maximum. At the 1mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.2%, dipping down to around 0.00006% at 4-5Vrms. The “knee” occurs at around 10Vrms, hitting the 1% THD just past 14Vrms.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the balanced output as a function of output voltage for the coaxial digital input into 200k ohms from -90dBFS to 0dBFS at 16/44.1 (blue/red) and 24/96 (purple/green). The 24/96 outperformed the 16/44.1 data, with a THD range from 0.3% at 1mVrms to 0.00015% at 3Vrms, while the 16/44.1 ranged from 4% at 1mVrms down to 0.0005% at 7-9Vrms.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The plot above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output the BR-20 as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave at the balanced analog input. At the 1mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 4%, dipping down to around 0.0005% at 10Vrms.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the balanced output as a function of output voltage for the coaxial digital input into 200k ohms from -90dBFS to 0dBFS at 16/44.1 (blue/red) and 24/96 (purple/green). The 24/96 outperformed the 16/44.1 data, with a THD+N range from 6% at 1mVrms down to 0.0008% at 7-10Vrms, while the 16/44.1 data ranged from 35% at 1mVrms down to 0.003% at the 10Vrms “knee.”

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (analog at 2Vrms)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz 2Vrms input sinewave stimulus at the balanced analog input, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is at a vanishingly low -140dBrA, or 0.00001%, while the third harmonic, at 3kHz, is just slightly above at -135dBrA, or 0.00002%. Below 1kHz, we don’t see any noise artifacts above the noise floor.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a dithered 1kHz 0dBFS input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced output into 200k ohm for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1. We see signal harmonics at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, at 2kHz, and -100dBrA, or 0.001%, at 3kHz.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a dithered 1kHz 0dBFS input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced output into 200k ohm for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 24/96. We see signal harmonics at -110dBrA, or 0.0003%, at 2kHz, and -100dBrA, or 0.001%, at 3kHz, as well as lower level signal harmonics at 4/5/6/7 kHz at -130dBrA, or 0.00003% and below.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a dithered 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced output into 200k ohms for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1 at -90dBFS. We see no signal harmonics above the noise floor within the audioband.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a dithered 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced output into 200k ohm for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 24/96 at -90dBFS. We see no signal harmonics above the noise floor within the audioband.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz (analog at 2Vrms)

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz 2Vrms input sinewave stimulus at the balanced analog input measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. We find the second and third harmonic of the signal (100/150Hz) just peaking above the -140dBrA noise floor, and once again, no power-supply noise peaks are visible.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, analog)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone for the balanced analog input measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz are at around -120dBrA, or 0.0001%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, 16/44.1)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced output into 200k ohms for the coaxial digital input at 16/44.1. The input dBFS values are set at -6.02dBFS so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 4Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -115dBRA, or 0.0002%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are higher, at about -100dBrA, or 0.001%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, 24/96)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced output into 200k ohms for the coaxial digital input at 24/96. The input dBFS values are set at -6.02dBFS so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 4Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -115dBRA, or 0.0002%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are higher, at above -100dBrA, or 0.001%.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz square-wave response for the balanced analog input at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this chart should not be used to infer or extrapolate the BR-20’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its very high bandwidth. An ideal square wave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The BR-20’s reproduction of the 10kHz square wave is squeaky clean, with very sharp edges devoid of undershoot and overshoot.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 01 November 2024

Link: reviewed by Roger Kanno on SoundStage! Simplifi on November 1, 2024

General Information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The Eversolo Audio DMP-A8 was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms in/out into 200k ohms before any measurements were taken.

The DMP-A8 offers a multitude of inputs, both digital and analog (balanced and unbalanced), and line-level analog outputs over balanced XLR and unbalanced over RCA. For the purposes of these measurements, unless otherwise stated, the following inputs were evaluated: digital coaxial S/PDIF (RCA) and analog balanced (XLR). Comparisons were made between unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) line inputs and outputs, and no appreciable differences were seen in terms of gain and THD+N (FFTs for different configurations can be seen in this report).

Most measurements were made with a 2Vrms line-level and 0dBFS digital input with the volume set to achieve 2Vrms at the output. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) measurements were made with the same input signal values, and, for comparison, on the line-level input, a SNR measurement was also made with the volume at maximum, but with a lower input voltage to achieve the same 2Vrms output.

The DMP-8 offers a wide range of DSP functions that can only be applied to the digital inputs. All DSP functions were turned off for these measurements. There are also six different DAC reconstruction filters that can be selected (unless otherwise noted, the Sharp Roll-off filter was used for these measurements):

1. Sharp Roll-off
2. Slow Roll-off
3. Short Delay Sharp Roll-off
4. Short Delay Slow Roll-off
5. Super Slow Roll-off (emulation of NOS)
6. Low Dispersion Short Delay

The DMP-A8 also offers a range of volume step settings: 0.5/1/2/3dB. Unless otherwise stated, the 0.5dB setting was used for all measurements. Based on the accuracy and random results of the left/right volume channel matching (see table below), the DMP-A8 volume control is likely digitally controlled in the analog domain. The overall range is from -89.3dB to 9.9dB for the line-level inputs.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Eversolo for the DMP-A8 compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Eversolo’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth was set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), unless otherwise stated, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms or 0dBFS at the input, 2Vrms at the output into 200k ohms, and a measurement input bandwidth of 10Hz to 22.4kHz, and the worst-case measured result between the left and right channels.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level analog input and digital coaxial input (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave at 2Vrms or 0dBFS when a sample rate is specified, 2Vrms output, 200k-ohm loading, 10Hz to 22.4kHz bandwidth):

* due to very low noise of DUT, analyzer self-noise has been removed from measurement to more accurately report value

Frequency response (line-level input)

In our measured frequency response (relative to 1kHz) plot above, the DMP-A8 is near perfectly flat within the audioband (0dB at 20Hz, -0.05dB at 20kHz). At the extremes, the DMP-A8 is 0dB at 5Hz, -0.6dB at 100kHz, and -5dB just before 200kHz. The DMP-A8 appears to be DC-coupled, as there is no attenuation at low frequencies, even at 5Hz. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Phase response (line-level input)

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz for the balanced line-level input. The DMP-A8 does not invert polarity and exhibits, at worst, less than -10 degrees (at 20kHz) of phase shift within the audioband.

Frequency response vs. input type (left channel only, Sharp Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows the DMP-A8’s frequency response (relative to 1kHz) as a function of input type. The green trace is the same (but limited to 80kHz) analog input data from the previous graph. The blue trace is for a 16-bit/44.1kHz dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 22kHz using the coaxial input, the purple trace is for a 24/96 dithered digital input signal from 5Hz to 48kHz, and finally pink is 24/192 from 5Hz to 96kHz. The behavior at low frequencies is the same for all the digital sample rates, as well as the analog input—flat down to 5Hz. The behavior at high frequencies for all three digital sample rates is as expected, offering filtering around 22k, 48k, and 96kHz (half the respective sample rates). The 44.1kHz sampled input signal exhibits typical “brick-wall”-type behavior, with a -3dB point at 20.9kHz. The -3dB point for the 96kHz sampled data is at 45.5kHz, and 68.9kHz for the 192kHz sampled data.

Frequency response vs. filter type (16/44.1, Sharp Roll-off, Slow Roll-off, Super Slow Roll-off)

The plots above show frequency-response for a -3dBFS input signal sampled at 16/44.1 for the Sharp Roll-off filter (blue), the Slow Roll-off filter (red), and the Super Slow Roll-off filter (green) into a 200k ohm-load for the left channel only. The graph is zoomed in from 1kHz to 22kHz to highlight the various responses of the three filters. We can see that the Sharp Roll-Off  filter provides a “brick-wall”-type response, and the Slow Roll-Off filter shows gentle attenuation (-1dB at 12.8kHz), and the Super Slow Roll-Off filter shows the gentlest attenuation (-1dB at 11kHz). The -3dB points for all three filters are: 20.9kHz (blue), 15.8kHz (red), and 18.7kHz (green).

Frequency response vs. filter type (16/44.1, Short Delay Sharp Roll-off, Short Delay Slow Roll-off, Low Dispersion Short Delay)

The plots above show frequency-response for a -3dBFS input signal sampled at 16/44.1 for the Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter (blue), the Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter (red), and the Low Dispersion Short Delay filter (green) into a 200k ohm-load for the left channel only. The graph is zoomed in from 1kHz to 22kHz to highlight the various responses of the three filters. We can see that both the Short Delay Sharp Roll-Off and Low Dispersion Short Delay filters provide a “brick-wall”-type response very similar to the default Sharp Roll-off filter, while the Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter shows gentle attenuation (-1dB at 12.8kHz). The -3dB points for all three filters are: 20.9kHz (blue), 15.8kHz (red), and 20.8kHz (green).

Phase response vs. filter type (16/44.1, all filters)

Above are the phase response plots from 20Hz to 20kHz for a -3dBFS input signal sampled at 16/44.1 for the Sharp Roll-off filter (blue), the Slow Roll-off filter (red), the Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter (green), the Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter (pink), the Super Slow Roll-off filter (purple), and the Low Dispersion Short Delay filter (orange) into a 200k ohm-load for the left channel only. We find that only the two short-delay filters show any phase shift within the audioband: -180 and -80 degrees at 20kHz for the Sharp and Slow Roll-off short-delay filters, respectively.

Digital linearity (16/44.1 and 24/96 data)

The chart above shows the results of a linearity test for the coaxial digital input (the optical input performed identically) for both 16/44.1 (blue/red) and 24/96 (purple/green) input data, measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8. The digital input was swept with a dithered 1kHz input signal from -120dBFS to 0dBFS, and the output was analyzed by the APx555. The ideal response would be a straight flat line at 0dB. At -120dBFS, the 16/44.1 data overshot by only 1dB, while the 24/96 remained perfect. To verify how well the 24/96 data would perform down to -140dBFS, we extended the sweep . . .

. . . in the chart above. Here we can see that the 24/96 data only undershot the mark by -1dB (left) at -140dBFS. This is an exceptional, and essentially perfect, digital-linearity test result.

Impulse response (24/48 data)

The graph above shows the impulse responses for a looped 24/44.1 test file that moves from digital silence to full 0dBFS (all “1”s) for one sample period then back to digital silence, measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8. The blue plot is for the Sharp Roll-off filter, red for Slow Roll-off, and green for Short Delay Sharp Roll-off. The Sharp Roll-off filter shows a typical symmetrical sinc function response. The Slow Roll-off filter also shows a symmetrical response but with much less pre- and post-ringing. The Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter shows no pre-ringing but extensive post-ringing.

Impulse response (24/48 data)

The graph above shows the impulse responses for a looped 24/44.1 test file that moves from digital silence to full 0dBFS (all “1”s) for one sample period then back to digital silence, measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8. The blue plot is for the Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter, red for Super Slow Roll-off, and green for Low Dispersion Short Delay. The Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter shows no pre-ringing and minimized pots-ringing. The Super Slow Roll-Off filter shows a near ideal response, close to what would be expected from an NOS DAC—a sharp impulse with no pre- and post-ringing. The Low Dispersion Short Delay filter shows minimized pre-ringing with more post-ringing.

J-Test (coaxial input)

The chart above shows the results of the J-Test test for the coaxial digital input measured at the line-level output of the DMP-A8. J-Test was developed by Julian Dunn in the 1990s. It is a test signal—specifically, a -3dBFS undithered 12kHz squarewave sampled (in this case) at 48kHz (24 bits). Since even the first odd harmonic (i.e., 36kHz) of the 12kHz squarewave is removed by the bandwidth limitation of the sampling rate, we are left with a 12kHz sinewave (the main peak). In addition, an undithered 250Hz squarewave at -144dBFS is mixed with the signal. This test file causes the 22 least-significant bits to constantly toggle, which produces strong jitter spectral components at the 250Hz rate and its odd harmonics. The test file shows how susceptible the DAC and delivery interface are to jitter, which would manifest as peaks above the noise floor at 500Hz intervals (e.g., 250Hz, 750Hz, 1250Hz, etc). Note that the alternating peaks are in the test file itself, but at levels of -144dBrA and below.  The test file can also be used in conjunction with artificially injected sinewave jitter by the Audio Precision, to show how well the DAC rejects jitter.

The coaxial S/PDIF input of the DMP-A8 shows a near-perfect J-Test result, with only a few small peaks in the audioband at a extraordinarily low -155dBrA.

J-Test (optical input)

The chart above shows the results of the J-Test test for the optical digital input measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8. The results here are very similar to the result from the coaxial input above.

J-Test (coaxial, 2kHz sinewave jitter at 10ns)

The chart above shows the results of the TJ-Test test for the coaxial digital input measured at the line level output of the DMP-A8, with an additional 10ns of 2kHz sinewave jitter injected by the APx555. The results are essentially the same as the J-Test result without additional jitter. The same was true for the optical input.

J-Test (coaxial, 2kHz sinewave jitter at 100ns)

The chart above shows the results of the J-Test test for the coaxial digital input measured at the line-level output of the DMP-A8, with an additional 100ns of 2kHz sinewave jitter injected by the APx555. The results are essentially the same as the J-Test result without additional jitter. The same was true for the optical input. This is an exceptional result.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Sharp Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red), and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Sharp Roll-off filter. The steep roll-off around 20kHz in the white-noise spectrum shows that this filter is of the brick-wall-type variety. There are no obvious aliased images within the audioband. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is highly suppressed at -120dBrA, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz signal are at similar levels.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Slow Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red) and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Slow Roll-off filter. The slow roll-off around 20kHz matches Eversolo’s description for this filter. There is one aliased image within the audioband, around 13kHz at -130dBrA. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is barely suppressed at -20dBrA, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz signal are much lower at -120dBrA and below.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red, and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Short Delay Sharp Roll-off filter. The steep roll-off around 20kHz in the white-noise spectrum shows that this filter is of the brick-wall-type variety. There are no obvious aliased images within the audioband. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is completely suppressed, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz signal are at and below -110dBrA.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red) and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Short Delay Slow Roll-off filter. The slow roll-off around 20kHz matches Eversolo’s description for this filter. There is one aliased image within the audioband, around 13kHz at -130dBrA. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is barely suppressed at -20dBrA, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz signal are much lower at -120dBrA and below.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Super Slow Roll-off filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red) and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at -1dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Super Slow Roll-Off filter. The very gentle roll-off around 20kHz and repeating nature in the noise spectrum at intervals of the 44.1kHz sample rate are indicative of a filter emulating a NOS DAC. There are obvious aliased images within the audioband at 13.2/7.3/1.4kHz at -80/-100/-115dBrA. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is barely suppressed at -10dBrA.

Wideband FFT spectrum of white noise and 19.1kHz sinewave tone (coaxial input, Low Dispersion Short Delay filter)

The chart above shows a fast Fourier transform (FFT) of the DMP-A8’s balanced outputs with white noise at -4 dBFS (blue/red) and a 19.1 kHz sinewave at 0dBFS fed to the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1, using the Low Dispersion Short Delay filter. The medium-steep roll-off around 20kHz in the white noise spectrum shows that this filter is of the brick-wall type variety. There are no obvious aliased images within the audioband. The primary aliasing signal at 25kHz is at -50dBrA, while the second and third distortion harmonics (38.2, 57.3kHz) of the 19.1kHz signal are at and below -110dBrA.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. load (analog)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms (blue/red) and 600 ohms (purple/green) as a function of frequency for the analog balanced inputs. The 200k-ohm THD data are lower than the 600-ohm data by roughly 5dB. The 200k-ohm data range from 0.00003% at 20Hz, down to an astonishingly low 0.00002% at 40Hz to 1kHz, then a rise to 0.0002% at 20kHz. It’s important to note that these THD values are less than twice as high as the AP’s signal generator, thereby pushing the limits of the analyzer capabilities.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency vs. sample rate (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios at the balanced line-level output into 200k ohms for a 16/44.1 (blue/red) dithered 1kHz signal at the coaxial input and a 24/96 (purple/green) signal, as a function of frequency. The 16/44.1 THD ratios were higher (0.0003% to 0.0002%) than the 24/96 THD ratios (0.00006% to 0.0001%) from 20Hz to 6kHz, due to the increased noise floor from the lower bit-depth (the analyzer cannot assign a THD ratio for harmonic peaks it cannot see above the noise floor). At 20kHz, all THD ratios measured 0.0005%.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8 as a function of output voltage for the balanced line level-input, with the volume control at maximum. THD values start at 0.02% at 1mVrms, down to a low of 0.00003/0.00005% (left/right) at 1-3Vrms, then a steep rise past 12Vrms to the 1% THD mark at 16.9Vrms.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (analog)

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8 as a function of output voltage for the balanced line level-input, with the volume control at maximum. THD+N values start at 0.2% at 1mVrms, down to a low of 0.0001% at 2-10Vrms, then a steep rise past 12Vrms to the 1% THD mark at 16.9Vrms.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8 as a function of output voltage for the digital coaxial S/PDIF input, swept from -90dBFS to 0dBFS, with the volume control at maximum. Blue/red traces are for 16/44.1 data, and purple/green for 24/96. For the 16/44.1 data, THD values start at 2%, and predictably, reach their low at the maximum output voltage of about 4.3Vrms, at 0.0002%. For the 24/96 data, THD ratios ranged from 0.05% down to 0.00008% at the maximum output voltage.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output (16/44.1 and 24/96)

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8 as a function of output voltage for the digital coaxial S/PDIF input, swept from -90dBFS to 0dBFS, with the volume control at maximum. Blue/red traces are for 16/44.1 data, and purple/green for 24/96. For the 16/44.1 data, THD+N values start at 20% and reach their low at the maximum output voltage of about 4.3Vrms, at 0.002%. For the 24/96 data, THD ratios ranged from 0.5% down to 0.00015% at the maximum output voltage.

Intermodulation distortion vs. generator level (SMPTE, 60Hz:4kHz, 4:1, 16/44.1, 24/96)

The chart above shows intermodulation distortion (IMD) ratios measured at balanced output for 16/44.1 (blue/red) input data and 24/96 input data (purple/green), from -60dBFS to 0dBFS. Here, the SMPTE IMD method was used, where the primary frequency (F1 = 60Hz) and the secondary frequency (F2 = 7kHz) are mixed at a ratio of 4:1. The SMPTE IMD analysis results consider the second (F2 ± F1) through the fifth (F2 ± 4xF1) modulation products. The 16/44.1 data yields IMD ratios from 2% down to 0.002% at 0dBFS. The 24/96 data yields IMD ratios from 0.1% down to around 0.0005% near 0dBFS.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (XLR line-level input)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the balanced line-level input. Because both the noise and signal related peaks are so vanishingly low for the DMP-A8, we must directly compare against the loopback (AP signal generator’s outputs connected to the analyzer’s inputs using the same XLR cables used with the DUT) FFT spectrum below. For the signal related harmonics, we find roughly the same levels at the second (2kHz) position: -150/-140dBrA (left/right), or 0.000003/0.00001%. We therefore attribute these peaks to the signal generator and not the DMP-A8. At the third (3kHz) position, we find that the signal generator contributes -150dBrA (0.000003%) of the -140dBrA (0.00001%) levels seen above. Subtracting one from the other yields a level of 0.000007% distortion at the 3kHz position for the DMP-A8. The only significant signal-related harmonic peak remaining for both channels is at the fifth (5kHz) harmonic position at -150dBrA, or 0.000003%. This means that the true THD ratio for the DMP-A8 is at the absurdly low 0.00001% (-140dBrA) level. For the noise-related peaks, we can ignore the peaks at the 60 and 120Hz positions, as these are also seen in the loopback FFT below. What we are left with are a few spurious peaks (mostly right channel) at near and below -150dBrA, or 0.000003%. This is an exceptionally quiet device. In fact, the residual rms noise (volume at minimum, A-weighted) we measured from the DMP-A8 (0.55uVrms for RCA output, 0.75uVrms XLR) essentially equals the lowest noise we have ever seen in a device (RME ADI-2 DAC IEM headphone output). These levels are right around the noise levels inherent to the AP’s signal generator (0.66 uVrms, A-weighted). A truly phenomenal result, which translates to a signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted, relative to 2Vrms) of 128dB!

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (XLR line-level input)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz 2Vrms input sinewave stimulus, measured by directly connecting the AP signal generator to the analyzer using our balanced XLR interconnects.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (RCA line-level input)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the unbalanced outputs for the unbalanced line-level input. We see close to the same results as with the balanced input FFT above. The main difference is the higher 2kHz signal harmonic peak at -130dBrA instead of -140dBrA.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 16/44.1. We see the second (2kHz) and third (3kHz) signal harmonics at roughly -130dBrA, or 0.00003%, and -120dBrA, or 0.0001%, respectively.  The noise floor is much higher due to the 16-bit depth limitation.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at 0dBFS)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the balanced outputs for the coaxial digital input, sampled at 24/96. We see power-supply-related noise peaks but only near and below the -150dBrA, or 0.000003%, level. The second (2kHz) and third (3kHz) signal harmonics dominate at -130dBrA, or 0.00003%, and -120dBrA, or 0.0001%. Higher signal harmonics can be seen at -140dBrA, or 0.00001%, and below.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 16/44.1 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the FFT for a 1kHz -90dBFS dithered 16/44.1 input sinewave stimulus at the coaxial digital input, measured at the balanced outputs. We see the 1kHz primary signal peak, at the correct amplitude, and no signal or noise-related harmonic peaks above the -140dBrA noise floor.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (digital input, 24/96 data at -90dBFS)

Shown above is the FFT for a 1kHz -90dBFS dithered 24/96 input sinewave stimulus at the coaxial digital input, measured at the balanced outputs. We see the 1kHz primary signal peak, at the correct amplitude, and no signal-related harmonic peaks. We see power-supply-related noise peaks but only near and below the -150dBrA, or 0.000003%, level.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz (line-level input)

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sinewave stimulus measured at the balanced outputs for the balanced line-level input. The X axis is zoomed in from 40 Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. The most predominant (non-signal) peak is that of the signal’s third (150Hz) harmonic at -135dBrA or 0.00002%. Power-supply-related peaks can be seen but only near and below the -150dBrA, or 0.000003%, level.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, line-level input)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the balanced line-level input. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 10W (0dBrA) into 8 ohms at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -125dBRA or 0.00006%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -120dBrA or 0.0001%. This is a very clean IMD result.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (line-level input, APx 32 tone)

Shown above is the FFT of the balanced outputs of the DMP-A8 with the APx 32-tone signal applied to the input. The combined amplitude of the 32 tones is the 0dBrA reference, and corresponds to 2Vrms. The intermodulation products—i.e., the “grass” between the test tones—are distortion products from the preamplifier and are around the extremely low -150dBrA, or 0.000003%, level.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, coaxial digital input, 16/44.1)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the digital coaxial input at 16/44.1. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -130dBrA (left channel), or 0.00003%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -120dBrA, or 0.0001%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus, coaxial digital input, 24/96)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the balanced outputs for the digital coaxial input at 24/96. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -130/140dBrA (left/right), or 0.00003/0.00001%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at -120dBrA or 0.0001%.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz squarewave response using the analog line-level input, at roughly 2Vrms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the DMP-A8’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its extended bandwidth. An ideal squarewave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The DMP-A8’s reproduction of the 10kHz square wave is very clean, with only extremely mild softening in the edges.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 01 January 2023

Link: reviewed by Jason Thorpe on SoundStage! Hi-Fi on January 1, 2023

General information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The Hegel Music Systems P30A was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms at the output before any measurements were taken. All measurements were taken with both channels driven.

The P30A offers three sets of line-level unbalanced (RCA) inputs, two sets of line-level balanced (XLR) inputs, two sets of unbalanced outputs, and one set of balanced outputs. There’s no difference in terms of gain between unbalanced and balanced inputs/outputs. That is to say, if the volume is set to unity gain, an input of 2Vrms will yield 2Vrms at the output, regardless of the input and output type configuration (i.e., all of these configurations yield the same results in terms of gain: RCA in/XLR out, XLR in/RCA out, RCA in/RCA out, XLR in/XLR out). The volume control does not have a numerical display. Based on the accuracy and non-repeatable nature of the channel deviation (table below), the volume control is digitally controlled but passes the signal in the analog domain. It offers between 8dB and 2dB increments for the first eight volume steps. Beyond the eighth step to just below the 12 o’clock position, 1dB steps were measured. Beyond the 12 o’clock position, the volume control offers 0.5 dB steps. Overall gain was measured at -85dB for volume step one, up to +5.3dB at the maximum position.

As Hegel claims, there is a difference in terms of THD between unbalanced and balanced signals in the P30A (see both the main table and FFTs below). We found that the difference lies in whether the unbalanced or balanced inputs (not outputs) are used—the unbalanced inputs yielded a little over twice as much THD at 1kHz. Unless otherwise stated, measurements were made with the volume set to unity gain, using the XLR inputs and outputs, with a 2Vrms input.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Hegel for the P30A compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Hegel’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth is set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), assume, unless otherwise stated, a 1kHz sine wave, 2Vrms input and output into 200k-ohm load, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth, and the worst-case measured result between the left and right channels.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level inputs (unless otherwise specified, assume a 1kHz sine wave, 2Vrms input and output into 200k-ohm load, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth):

Frequency response

In our measured frequency-response plot above, the P30A is essentially perfectly flat within the audioband (0dB at 20Hz, less than -0.1dB at 20kHz). The P30A appears to be DC-coupled, as it yielded 0dB of deviation at 5Hz. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Phase response

Above is the phase response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz. The P30A does not invert polarity, and yielded a worst-case 25 degrees or so of phase shift at 20kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency

The plot above shows THD ratios at the output as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a sine-wave input stimulus. The blue and red plots are for left and right channels into 200k ohms, while purple/green (L/R) are into 600 ohms. THD values were essentially flat across the audioband at 0.002% into 600 ohms. Into a 200k-ohm load, THD ratios were at 0.002% from 20kHz to 1kHz, then a rise to 0.01% at 20kHz.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD ratios measured at the output of the P30A as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sine wave. At the 10mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.01%, dipping down to around 0.0005% at 0.6-0.7Vrms, followed by a rise to 0.05% at 10Vrms. The 1% THD point is reached at 14Vrms. It’s also important to mention that anything above 2-4Vrms is not typically required to drive most power amps to full power.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output of the P30A as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sine wave. At the 10mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 0.2%, dipping down to around 0.002% at 1.5Vrms.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load, for the balanced inputs and outputs. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is at around -115dBrA, or 0.0002%, while the third harmonic, at 3kHz, is higher at -95dBrA, or 0.002%. Higher-order odd harmonics can be seen to beyond 20kHz, at -135dBRa, or 0.0002%, and below. Below 1kHz, we can see only a very small peak at 120Hz, the second harmonic of the power-supply fundamental, at -125dBra, or 0.00006%, just above the noise floor.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and balanced outputs. The main difference here compared to the FFT above is the much higher second signal harmonic, at -90dBRa, or 0.003%, versus the -115dBrA 2kHz peak seen when the balanced inputs are used.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and outputs. The same distortion profile with the higher 2kHz peaks can be seen here as with the FFT above. The common denominator is the use of the unbalanced inputs.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the balanced inputs and unbalanced outputs. The same distortion profile with the lower 2kHz peaks can be seen here as with the first FFT above. The common denominator is the use of the balanced inputs.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sine-wave stimulus measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. The most predominant non-signal peak is from the signal’s third harmonic (3kHz) at -95dBrA, or 0.002%. The second signal harmonic (100Hz) is at -115dBrA, or 0.0002%. Peaks from the power-supply fundamental (60Hz) and the second (120Hz), fourth (240Hz), and fifth (300Hz) harmonics can be seen at very low levels (-130dBrA, or 0.00003%, and below) just above the noise floor.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sine-wave stimulus tone measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -125/-135dBrA (left/right), or 0.00006/0.00002%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz are at -95dBrA, or 0.002%.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz squarewave response at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the P30A’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of the P30A’s relatively high bandwidth. An ideal squarewave can be represented as the sum of a sine wave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The P30A’s reproduction of the 10kHz squarewave is clean, with only mild softening in the corners.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 15 April 2021

Link: reviewed by Doug Schneider on SoundStage! Hi-Fi on April 15, 2021

General information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The LINEb was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms at the output before any measurements were taken. All measurements were taken with both channels driven.

The LINEb offers two sets of line-level unbalanced (RCA) inputs, four sets of line-level balanced (XLR) inputs, and two sets of balanced (XLR) outputs. The volume control is implemented using relays and a discrete high-precision resistor ladder. The RCA inputs yield 6dB more gain than the XLR inputs, with a range from –51.4dB (volume position 1 on the display) to +11.8dB (volume position 64). The XLR inputs range from -57.4dB to +5.8dB. The volume control offers 1dB steps from 1 to 56, 0.5dB from 56 to 57, 1dB from 58 to 61, 1.5dB from 61 to 63, and 2dB from 63 to 64. Unity gain (+0.1dB) is achieved at position 60 for the XLR inputs, 54 (-0.1dB) for the RCA inputs. Channel volume tracking is superb (see table below).

There is an Audio Gnd switch on the LINEb back panel. Presumably, this switch disconnects audio ground from chassis/earth ground. I found no differences in noise performance with the switch in the off or on position. It was left on for the measurements.

I found effectively no difference in THD+N values between the RCA and XLR inputs for the same output voltage. I attempted to optimize the volume position to achieve the best signal-to-noise (SNR) and THD+N measurements; however, I found only small differences with the volume at various positions (for the same output voltage). Most measurements were made with the volume set to unity gain (60) using the XLR inputs.

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Karan Acoustics for the LINEb compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Karan Acoustic’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth is set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), assume, unless otherwise stated, a measurement input bandwidth of 10Hz to 90kHz, and the worst-case measured result between the left and right channels.

* The discrepancy in balanced input/output impedances may be due to Karan specifying this value for the inverting and noninverting pins separately. Our measurement considers both inputs/outputs on the balanced connector together. Treated separately, our measurement would be halved, or, respectively, 28.5k ohms and 90 ohms for the input and output impedances.

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level inputs (unless specified, assume a 1kHz sine wave, 2Vrms output into 200k ohms load, 10Hz to 90kHz bandwidth):

Frequency response

In our measured frequency-response chart above, the LINEb is perfectly flat within the audioband (20Hz to 20kHz) and beyond. These data partially corroborate Karan Acoustics’ claim of 20Hz to 20kHz +/-0dB, 1.5Hz to 3MHz (-3dB). However, since the Audio Precision can only sweep to just past 200kHz, we cannot verify the -3dB at 3MHz claim portion. The LINEb is at 0dB at 5Hz, and at about -0.2dB at 200kHz. To state that the LINEb is a high-bandwidth audio device would be an understatement.

In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they overlap perfectly, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Phase response

Above is the phase-response chart from 20Hz to 20kHz. The LINEb does not invert polarity, and the plot shows essentially no phase shift within the audioband.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency

The chart above shows THD ratios at the output as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a sine-wave input stimulus. The blue and red plots are for left and right channels into 200k ohms, while purple/green (L/R) are into 600 ohms. THD values are very low, about 0.00004% into 200k ohms from 20Hz to 1kHz, and, most impressively, even lower at about 0.00003% into a 600-ohm load. There is a rise in THD values above 1kHz, where at 20kHz, the 600-ohm data are about 0.0003%, and the 200k-ohm data are lower at about 0.0002%, which are still extremely low figures.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage at 1kHz

The chart above shows THD ratios measured at the output of the LINEb as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sine wave. At the 10mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.007%, dipping down to around 0.00003% at 3Vrms. The “knee” occurs at around 18Vrms, hitting the 1% THD just past 20Vrms. It’s important to note here that the LINEb’s extraordinarily low THD values are approaching the limits of the Audio Precision analyzer, which, when measured in loopback mode (generator feeding analyzer) measures about 50% lower than the LINEb (at 3Vrms), at about 0.000015%. It’s also important to mention that anything above 2-4Vrms is not typically required to drive most power amps into full power.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage at 1kHz

The chart above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output the LINEb as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sine wave. At the 10mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 0.1-0.2%, dipping down to around 0.0002% at 10Vrms.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sine-wave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The red is the right channel, the blue the left. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is at a vanishingly low -140dBrA, or 0.00001%, while the third harmonic, at 3kHz, is just slightly above -140dBrA. Below 1kHz, we see some noise artifacts, with the 60Hz peak due to power supply-noise barely perceptible on the left channel below -140dBrA, and the 180Hz (third harmonic) peak just above -140dBrA. The right channel does not appear to show any noise peaks above the very low -150dBrA noise floor.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sine-wave stimulus measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. Here again, there are barely any noticeable peaks. We find the third harmonic of the signal (150Hz) just peaking above the -150dBrA noise floor, or 0.000003%, and the left channel showing the third-harmonic noise peak (180Hz) just above -140dBrA, or 0.00001%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sine-wave stimulus tone measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -125dBrA, or 0.00006%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz are at -130dBrA and -125dBrA, or 0.00003% and 0.00006%, respectively. These extraordinarily low harmonic peaks are reflected in the IMD values in our primary table of -113/-115dB, which represent the sum of the second- and third-order intermodulation product peaks.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Shown above is the 10kHz square-wave response at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this chart should not be used to infer or extrapolate the LINEb’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its very high bandwidth. An ideal square wave can be represented as the sum of a sine wave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges, in the square-wave representation. As mentioned above, the LINEb is a very high-bandwidth component. Correspondingly, the LINEb’s reproduction of the 10kHz square wave is squeaky clean, with very sharp edges devoid of undershoot or overshoot.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist

Details

Parent Category: Products

Category: Preamplifier Measurements

Created: 15 January 2024

Link: reviewed by Phil Gold on SoundStage! Hi-Fi on January 15, 2024

General information

All measurements taken using an Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer.

The PRE was conditioned for 30 minutes at 2Vrms at the output before any measurements were taken. All measurements were taken with both channels driven.

The PRE offers two sets of line-level unbalanced (RCA) inputs, one set of line-level balanced (XLR) inputs, one set each of unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs (both always on). The PRE offers a maximum of 6dB of gain from input to output for the same input type. That is to say, if the volume is set to unity gain, an input of 2Vrms will yield 2Vrms at the output for the unbalanced input/output scenario, and the balanced input/output scenario. For the unbalanced in/balanced out scenario, 12dB gain is available. For the balanced in/unbalanced out scenario, 0dB of gain is available.

Based on the accuracy and non-repeatable nature of the channel deviation (table below), the volume control is in the analog domain, but digitally controlled. It offers between 2 and 3dB step increments for the first 12 volume steps. From steps 12 to 22, 1dB steps were measured. Beyond level 22 up to 100, the volume control offers 0.5 dB steps.  Overall gain was measured at -68.7dB for volume step one, up to +6dB at the maximum position (100). Volume channel tracking proved exquisite, ranging from 0.000dB to 0.008dB.

There is a difference in terms of THD and noise between unbalanced and balanced signals in the PRE (see both the main table and FFTs below). The balanced outputs have about 6dB more uncorrelated thermal noise, whereas using the balanced inputs yields about 10dB less THD compared to the unbalanced inputs. Unfortunately, the lower distortion is only apparent in the FFTs, because they allow averages over multiple data runs, which averages out and lowers the noise floor, making the very low distortion peaks visible. During normal real-time THD measurements, the analyzer is set to measure for 2-3 seconds (maximum) and cannot assign a THD value below the measured noise floor. This explains why in the primary table below, THD appears lower for the unbalanced input/output compared to the balanced input/output. The true THD ratio figure for the balanced configuration, based on the balanced input/output FFT, is an astounding 0.00002% (about -135dB), compared to the 0.00007% (about -123dB) or so for the unbalanced input.

Unless otherwise stated, balanced input and output was evaluated, with an input and output of 2Vrms into a 200k ohm-load, with the analyzer’s input bandwidth filter set to 10Hz to 22.4kHz (exceptions include FFTs and THD vs frequency sweeps where the bandwidth is extended to 90kHz, and frequency and squarewave response where the bandwidth is extended from DC to 1MHz).

Volume-control accuracy (measured at preamp outputs): left-right channel tracking

Published specifications vs. our primary measurements

The table below summarizes the measurements published by Meitner for the PRE compared directly against our own. The published specifications are sourced from Meitner’s website, either directly or from the manual available for download, or a combination thereof. With the exception of frequency response, where the Audio Precision bandwidth was set at its maximum (DC to 1MHz), assume, unless otherwise stated, a 1kHz sinewave, 2Vrms input and output into 200k ohms load, 10Hz to 22.4kHz bandwidth, and the worst-case measured result between the left and right channels.

*SNR measured with unbalanced in/out = 115.3dB
*SNR calculated with residual noise (volume at 0) and unbalanced in/out = 118.6dB

Our primary measurements revealed the following using the balanced line-level inputs (unless otherwise specified, assume a 1kHz sinewave, 2Vrms input and output into 200k ohms load, 10Hz to 22.4kHz bandwidth):

Frequency response

In our measured frequency-response plot above, the PRE is perfectly flat within the audioband (0dB at 20Hz and 20kHz). The PRE appears to be DC-coupled, as it yielded 0dB of deviation at 5Hz. The PRE can certainly be considered an extended-bandwidth audio device, as it is only 0.14dB down at 200kHz. In the graph above and most of the graphs below, only a single trace may be visible. This is because the left channel (blue or purple trace) is performing identically to the right channel (red or green trace), and so they perfectly overlap, indicating that the two channels are ideally matched.

Phase response

Above is the phase-response plot from 20Hz to 20kHz. The PRE does not invert polarity, and exhibited zero phase shift within the audioband.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. frequency

The plot above shows THD ratios at the output as a function of frequency (20Hz to 20kHz) for a sinewave input stimulus. The blue and red plots are for the left and right channels into 200k ohms, while purple/green (L/R) are into 600 ohms. THD values were flat across most of the audioband at 0.0001% into 600 ohms and 200k ohms, with a small rise to 0.0002% at 20kHz. This shows that the PRE’s outputs are robust and would yield identical THD performance feeding an amplifier with either a high or low input impedance.

THD ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD ratios measured at the output of the PRE as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave. At the 10mVrms level, THD values measured around 0.03%, dipping down to around 0.00006% at 6-8Vrms, followed by a rise to 0.0003% at around 18Vrms. The 1% THD point is reached at 20.2Vrms. It’s also important to mention that anything above 2-4Vrms is not typically required to drive most power amps to full power.

THD+N ratio (unweighted) vs. output voltage

The plot above shows THD+N ratios measured at the output of the PRE as a function of output voltage into 200k ohms with a 1kHz input sinewave. At the 10mVrms level, THD+N values measured around 0.2%, dipping down to around 0.0003% at 10-18Vrms.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load, for the balanced inputs and outputs. We see that the signal’s second harmonic, at 2kHz, is extremely low at around -135dBrA, or 0.00002%, and subsequent signal harmonics are not visible above the -145dBrA noise floor. Below 1kHz, we can see very small peaks at 60, 120, 148, 180, and 300Hz. These peaks are all below the -130dBrA, or 0.00003%, level. This is a very clean FFT.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, balanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and balanced outputs. The main difference here compared to the FFT above is the higher second signal harmonic, at -125dBRa, or 0.00006%, versus the -135dBrA 2kHz peak seen when the balanced inputs are used. Noise peaks left of the signal peak are at similar levels as the FFT above.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (unbalanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the unbalanced inputs and outputs. The same distortion profile with the higher 2kHz peaks can be seen here as with the FFT above. The common denominator is the use of the unbalanced inputs. The overall noise floor is at its lowest here, at -150dBrA.

FFT spectrum – 1kHz (balanced in, unbalanced out)

Shown above is the fast Fourier transform (FFT) for a 1kHz input sinewave stimulus, measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load for the balanced inputs and unbalanced outputs. The same distortion profile with the lower 2kHz peaks can be seen here as with the first FFT above. The common denominator is the use of the balanced inputs.

FFT spectrum – 50Hz

Shown above is the FFT for a 50Hz input sinewave stimulus measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The X axis is zoomed in from 40Hz to 1kHz, so that peaks from noise artifacts can be directly compared against peaks from the harmonics of the signal. Signal-related peaks can be seen at the second (100Hz) and third (150Hz) harmonics, at an extremely low -140dBrA, or 0.00001%. Noise-related peaks are all below -135dBrA, or 0.00002%.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (18kHz + 19kHz summed stimulus)

Shown above is an FFT of the intermodulation distortion (IMD) products for an 18kHz + 19kHz summed sinewave stimulus tone measured at the output into a 200k-ohm load. The input RMS values are set at -6.02dBrA so that, if summed for a mean frequency of 18.5kHz, would yield 2Vrms (0dBrA) at the output. We find that the second-order modulation product (i.e., the difference signal of 1kHz) is at -125dBrA, or 0.0006%, while the third-order modulation products, at 17kHz and 20kHz, are at roughly the same level. This, like the 1kHz FFTs, is an extremely clean result.

Intermodulation distortion FFT (line-level input, APx 32 tone)

Shown above is the FFT of the output of the PRE into 200k ohms with the APx 32-tone signal applied to the input. The combined amplitude of the 32 tones is the 0dBrA reference, and corresponds to 2Vrms into 200k ohms. The intermodulation products—i.e., the “grass” between the test tones—are distortion products from the amplifier. Distortion products are at a vanishingly low -140dBrA, or 0.00001%. Thus, even with a complex input signal, the PRE does not add any audible coloration to the input signal.

Square-wave response (10kHz)

Above is the 10kHz squarewave response at the output into 200k ohms. Due to limitations inherent to the Audio Precision APx555 B Series analyzer, this graph should not be used to infer or extrapolate the PRE’s slew-rate performance. Rather, it should be seen as a qualitative representation of its relatively high bandwidth. An ideal squarewave can be represented as the sum of a sinewave and an infinite series of its odd-order harmonics (e.g., 10kHz + 30kHz + 50kHz + 70kHz . . .). A limited bandwidth will show only the sum of the lower-order harmonics, which may result in noticeable undershoot and/or overshoot, and softening of the edges. The PRE’s reproduction of the 10kHz squarewave is extremely clean with sharp corners.

Diego Estan
Electronics Measurement Specialist