Stevens & Billington TX102 Passive preamp Built

[Algar_emi]

Hi. A friend of mine was able to source a used pair of S&B TX102 transformers. He wanted a nice passive preamp. I've told him that there was no point in using these transformers if you don't use good quality parts around them. Passive preamp will reveal any weakness from any crappy parts.
This is what I built for him.

I designed a nice enclosure using Front Panel Express service. They are not cheap but you're certain to get a very professional look and feel. The chassis side panels are made of exotic wood, simply sanded and treated with oil.

 

[Algar_emi]

Here the specs:

Inputs:
5x RCA Single ended
1x XLR-Female balanced (+ pin2, - pin3, gnd pin1)

Outputs
2x RCA Single ended (in parallel)
1x XLR-Male Balanced (+ pin2, - pin3, gnd pin1)
1x Record Output (RCA selected input only)

Functions:
-Mute (from front volume step attenuator)
-Input GND Float/Hard (input gnd connected to chassis or not)
-Out Lift RCA/XLR (in RCA: RCA gnd connected to chassis; in XLR, gnd is floating, reverse for XLR)
-Gain 0dB/+6dB

Parts:
-Vampire & Cardas RCA connectors
-Pure silver output RCA connector
-Neutrik XLR, gold pins
-Elna 2x24 Step attenuator rotary switch (volume)
-Seiden 74745 Rotary Switch 32NEG Type, 4 Pole, 6-Position, Non-Shorting (input selection)
-C&K toggle switches
-Internal wires, all Cardas hookup wire, 23.5awg
-Cardas Ultra pure, tin/lead/silver/copper, Quad Eutectic .032 solder

Chassis:
-Custom Front Panel Express aluminum enclosure with exotic real wood side panels,
laser engraved lettering.
-Non magnetic stainless steel hardware
-Vibrapod feet

 

[Algar_emi]

Some more inside pictures

 

[Marra]

Lovely build Algar.

They do sound good don't they.

 

[Speedskater]

What do you use for the 6dB gain stage?

 

[Algar_emi]

The TX102 has dual primaries, use just one for 0dB, use two in series for 6dB.

 

[limono]

Isn't a "Music First" a trademark protected name ? That's the only cheesy thing in otherwise premium build. Can you reveal the price of enclosure?
My TX MKI are still in rather pedestrian box

 

[Algar_emi]

Price of the box is expensive, as any parts done by FPE. The four plates, front, rear, top and bottom costed 220U$ + expensive UPS shipping, custom and taxes at my end. Plus the expensive wood, all the stainless steel hardware and the hours to assemble everything.

Well the guys wanted a replica of the real thing, that what I gave him...

 

[AVWERK]

So what is your subjective impression on how it sounds in comparison to your other builds?

Very nice build!

Regards
David

 

[Algar_emi]

I'm not into passive preamp that much. I always prefered active ones, but my friend just reported that it sounds superb in his setup. He like it very much.

For myself I still didn't hear anything better than my VSE RTP3D!