After building an excellent sounding preamp ("Continuum") based on the same Gold Lion E88CC gold pin tubes I thought I would build another. Main reason is I have another pair of perfectly matched tubes. Too make this a visually standout preamp I painted this one red and thus the name "Rosso".

As with Continuum it has two selectable inputs. Rosso has an Alps pot and 4oz solid brass gold plated knob. Similar componentry under the bonnet. Russian PIO output caps but this time snubbed with a 0.1uf poly. Metal film resistors and silver plated wire-warp wire as hookup. My universal external PS just plugs straight into this one also via an XLR socket.

Where this one does vary from Continuum is it has been redesigned. Bruce Heran of American oddwatt fame, who provided the original design, re-tweaked the whole preamp. Much lower HT and lower value resistors. I'm sure this one sounds even better than Continuum which sold. It must be the redesign as so much of Rosso is similar to Continuum.

Treble has lifted here and transparency has taken a big step forward. Gian is high in both preamps because the original design was for a lower gain tube. In operation I have found this not to be a problem, just bloody great sounding. Combined with my DIY 300W SS power amp these two are truly a matched made in sonic heaven.

Comments