THE DESIGN APPROACH:
At Marian Research, we strongly believe in using balanced line interconnects between components, because they are inherently quiet and employ studio quality connectors. We set out to design our high-performance preamplifier with vacuum tubes, but after a few pilot designs it became apparent that
fully balanced operation using differential receivers and drivers, coupled with the need for very low output impedance, would require a great many tubes and large audio grade capacitors. The excessive size, weight, power consumption, and cost of such a design would have made it impractical. We concluded that a conservative solid state design with premium quality parts was the best way to proceed.

THE RESULT:
One of our test listeners described the sound as "a revelation", "incredibly punchy and lively", and "makes me want to dance". Marian Research's new preamplifier achieves world class performance in terms of bandwidth, low noise, and overall musicality. Reproduction of dynamic contrasts is astounding. When our solid state preamplifier is mated with our vacuum tube Power Amplifier, the symbiosis brings you the best of both worlds with no compromises.

THE ARCHITECTURE:
The Marian Research preamplifier features dual mono construction, outboard power supply, stepped attenuators (we eschew conventional volume controls), ultra high performance local voltage regulation, and 'class A' operated amplifying elements, that, to the best of our knowledge, are faster than those used in any other audio component currently being manufactured (intrinsic bandwidth exceeds 10MHz).

Price: $2995