$1,500
USD
Ships to: CONUS
I purchased this preamp/transformer volume controller (TVC) in October, 2024, direct from the UK manufacturer. I burned it in for 150 hrs per their recommendation, then used it in my main office system for two weeks. I specified that this TVC have 2 RCA inputs (switchable on the back panel) as well as two RCA outputs that can operate simultaneously with zero signal degradation. I also asked the output ground be switchable (“lifted”) in case of ground loops. The Baby Classic came exactly as ordered.
Read about it here: Baby Classic - Based on the award winning and much loved Classic pre amplifier
My objective with this TVC was to split the single RCA output of a new DAC to run speakers & subwoofer on one output, and a headphone amplifier on the other output. But as it happened, I sold that DAC, and my other DACs all have dual outputs—so I no longer need this TVC per my original use configuration. I then used it for several days as a typical preamp, controlling system volume with it, which it does very well.
Anyone whose experience with passives is limited to resistior-based designs will be pleasantly surprised by the sound of the Baby Classic. It is completely noise free at any volume and immune to long interconnect runs or impedance mismatches with any/all downstream loads. It actually sounds better at low volumes than any active preamp I’ve ever heard. Even at very low volumes, the sound remains dynamic and tonally full. This is not how resistor-based passives work (at least not the ones I’ve had here).
I’m sorry to have to sell this very sturdy, well-made preamp, but just don’t need it any more.
I paid $2,200 for this TVC. My F.S. price is $1500, which includes paypal fees and shipping within the Continental U.S.
Note: FWIW I have good feedback on USAM and “the other headphone audio website.”
