AricAudio's new Jackpot 5751 tube-rectified truly balanced preamplifier

It is tube rectified and is truly balanced from input to output

@teajay While this preamp has a balanced output, its incorrect to describe it in the title of this thread as 'truly balanced' and isn't truly balanced from input to output (which is not a claim from their website). You may wish to revise this if that is something that found its way into your review.

The output is truly balanced, but the internals are single-ended (like the venerable Ampex 351 electronics). 

Since it uses an output transformer, its capable of supporting AES48 (the balanced line standard). As such is one of the few vacuum tube balanced preamps in high end audio that can make that claim. I think one of the Bachert Labs preamps also uses an output transformer to drive balanced lines. Our preamps use a direct-coupled circuit that also supports AES48.

So that makes three I know of. There's likely more but they are rare. Its frightening to see how many tube preamps have a balanced output but don't support the standard.

That is correct that the unit is not fully balanced throughout the entire signal path but rather that it has balanced inputs and balanced outputs, while the tube circuitry remains single-ended. The differential input’s full signal swing is utilized and terminated with equal impedances at the primary of a Jensen input transformer, and the secondary sends a single ended signal to the input amp stage, which is DC coupled to the cathode follower output, and then split back to differential via the output transformers after the coupling caps. I do this to maintain the single-ended harmonics and not cancel them in the tube circuitry. Additionally it does support AES48 by not utilizing signal ground for any shields or PIN 1, and the RCA outputs are not tied directly to the transformer balanced outs, but rather branches off directly after the output coupling caps. Best, Aric

@jaymark  Very interesting. I am currently using in both my very revealing systems Benchmark LA-4 Line pre amp, Balanced throughout. I am into strictly rock and roll ONLY.  90db or so. My speakers in my larger system are Tekton specialty Encores upgraded, and with beryllium tweeters. Coda 8 V1 and a Bricasti M1 SE DAC, dual subs, etc. Just wondering about your experience staying with the SS amp , but, going with a tube pre amp, specifically, the ARIC unit? My system sounds wonderful, just have been very nervous about tubes. My system is very dynamic and musical  and yet very revealing! What can I expect? I realize it's somewhat subjective? Robert TN    thank you!

@robshaw - many people go with tube preamps and SS power amps; there's a thread about this right now somewhere on here, in fact. The preamp would have the most affect on the sound and a good neutral SS power amp should amplify what it's getting from that. I use an Aric Super 6SN7 pre with an MSB S-200 power amp, and it's a match made in heaven or wherever else your choice is to go.... I also listen to almost all rock music, though not at 90db - I could if I wanted to though without the system minding at all, just my ears and neighbors. 

@larsman  It sounds as though you have a very nice set up. I like your Amp a lot.  I may look into the Jackpot model. Just curious as to your speakers? 

The jack pot as to his others offer as adjustable gain control. I have one on my LA-4 and it helps considerably.  Maybe you can answer this for me, My benchmark LA-4 offers a balanced output to my Amp (connection wise) It also offers a mono OUTPUT (balanced) or a single RCA OUTPUT (single out) for my Sub, which I can use at the same time, NICE.  Can I use both balanced and single ended outputs simultaneously, so I can run my sub through the single ended and the Amp /preamp through the balanced?   I know your unit is all single ended. just wondering? Thanks much!