Isabella
Vacuum-tube Preamplifier
Reference-level performance, with natural and emotionally involving presentation. Integrated DAC and headphone support available.
Overview
Greatly enhances any high quality, 2-channel music system.
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Latest generation of our flagship Isabella
Upgrade available for previous versions - Has received glowing reviews and enjoys a cult-like following from customers
- Custom built to suit your individual system requirements
Product Features
- 3 sets of analog inputs
- 2 sets of volume-controlled analog outputs
- One 6922 dual triode tube per channel
- Switchable gain (0dB / 12dB) to optimize volume control range for your system
- Remote volume control for added convenience
LFP-V Features
Learn about the unique design innovations behind our sound.
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LFP Battery
State-of-the-art technology. -
SMART Battery Monitoring
Fully automates all aspects of battery management.
Optional Built-in Isabellina DAC
- 3 types of digital connectivity (Coaxial, Optical and USB)
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Optional Isabellina Pro adds high-resolution playback (24/192k) - Eliminates a set of interconnects and keeps signal paths short for optimum sound
Optional Built-in Headphone Stage
- For headphone connoisseurs, order your Isabella with built-in audiophile-grade headphone amplifier, featuring:
- Headphone jack on front panel
- Adjustable gain via Isabella’s tube preamplifier
- Can be ordered single-ended (1/4” stereo plug) or balanced (4-pin XLR)
Reviews
In the Isabella vacuum-tube preamplifier, David Abramson finds his cure for upgraditis...
“Fleet of foot, compact, quiet, reliable and damnably low in coloration and seasoning, I’ve kept her around in preference to many a better known adversary. You’re gonna change amps; you’re gonna change wires- you’re gonna change speakers- hell, you’re an audiophile! So you owe it to yourself for once and all to have a centerpiece- a lynchpin- a piece around which everything else can turn. That’s Isabella!”
Source: Dave Abramson, Stereo Times
Hint: Mr. Abramson ends up purchasing an Isabella for his personal use!
“…few preamps in my experience combine quietude, transparency to source, PRaT and tonal veracity with fuss-free operation and friendly, non-Machiavellian designers in quite the way Isabella does.”
Source: Dave Abramson, Stereo Times
“The tonality of the Isabella is excellent. I firmly believe this is due to the lack of grain from power supply artifacts coloring the signal.”
“The Isabella [combined with the Signature 30.2 power amp] will be tough to beat without spending a lot more money.”
Source: Jeff Dorgay, TONEAudio [2.4mb PDF]
(Download full TONEAudio issue)
“For guts, fleshiness and wallop — the Isabella delivers more than class leaders at twice her price.”
Source: Srajan Ebaen, 6moons.com
Specifications
Circuit Design
| Included tubes | 6922/E88CC dual triode (one tube per channel) |
|---|---|
| Accepted tubes | 6922/E88CC, 6DJ8/ECC88, 7308/E188CC, 7DJ8/PCC88, 6N23, 6H23, and 6N11 |
| Input impedance | 50k |
| Output impedance | Less than 1k |
| Frequency response | 10Hz - 120kHz (+/- 0.5 dB) |
| Gain | 0dB / 12dB (selectable) |
| Power supply transformer / rectifiers / transformers in signal path | None |
Battery Pack / Charger
| Battery | Red Wine Audio 25.6V LiFePO4 battery pack |
|---|---|
| Battery charger | 30V, 2A LiFePO4 battery charger; Input voltage range: 100-240Vac, 50/60Hz |
| Typical continuous play time in battery mode between full charges |
Approximately 6 hours (with optional Isabellina DAC) Approximately 8 hours (without Isabellina DAC) |
Dimensions
| Dimensions | 12" width x 10.5" depth (including volume knob and rear panel jacks) x 3.5" height (including feet) |
|---|---|
| Weight (without charger) | Approximately 10 lbs. |
| Package weight | Approximately 16 lbs. |
Purchase
- Audez’e Edition
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