Pre2 relay input switching PCB

[petercom]

If you would like to modify your Pre2 by moving the input switching to the rear panel, thereby getting rid of a bundle of internal interconnect leads, then please vote here.

Alternatively you can wait for the Pre3.

Peter,
Before I or others vote for option A, can you further sell the benefits of Relays versus the standard Switch?
(EDIT - just read your post in the "Pre-Amps?" thread, but the more information the better...)

And obviously, some rough idea of pricing would be useful, before anyone commits to "ordering like a shot"!

It does sound like a good option to offer, as there are a lot of PRE/PAS-II owners in here.

[KennyK]

just to add, I'd also want to ensure that the 'tape' loop facility was still available. I for one use this functionality for my HD83, and also rather than a cassette recorder I use a CD Recorder in it's place. also I think I'm using all my inputs so the six plus tape loop was one of the main attractions in the first place for me.

[John Caswell]

Hi all,
The main advantage of the relay input switch Board is to get rid of all the coax wires to the i/p selector switch along with the extra capacitance, chances of error, putting signals through switch contacts, no more dirty switch contacts etc.
All you will have are two screened wires from the board to the input/volume control and some thin wires carrying the DC control volts from switch to the relay.
I can assure you the tape loop is inbuilt and is very simple to wire and the board fits directly onto the phono sockets.
The relays are professional Post Office rated, gold/palladium contacts sealed in an inert atmosphere.
I don't know the cost but am sure Peter will advise asap.

John aka Dr John

John,

That's a wonderfully concise and helpful post - thanks!
I'd forgot to ask about the tape loop and whether the voltage required was AC or DC, so thanks some more.

Unless the pricing is silly, I'm certain to order like a shot.

[prince of darkness]

I would be interested. Also, I think this could be applied to a lot of other pre's, including scratchbuilds (like mine ).

[KennyK]

likewise, depending on price I too would be very keen to be an early taker for this. I've felt that the wiring is the only thing that lets the PreII down slightly (that said, it easily saw off a Manley 'Shrimp' at a get together recently and that's in standard configuration, but with vishay resistor shunt mod and EH Gold 6922). I might even be tempted to add this modification to the KEL84 as well.

Edit: and I'd probably build a Pre3 as well at some point too.

[Allen]

I'd definitely be interested if it was available as a PCB or a module.

[NickW]

Can Peter say whether the PRE-3 will be radically different from the PRE-2, or simply an upgrade of the transformers, etc? From the sounds of it, with a debate on whether to have a taller chassis, or valves poking through - it sounds to me like it will be very different?
Will there be a PHONO-3 to take the new moving coil transformers?, and more importantly for me, will the new transformers work with the PHONO-2?

In terms of the Switching PCB, I think there will be a very good case for having one compatible with the PRE-2. I haven't got a PRE-2 myself, so would probably wait for a PRE-3 - but I'm sure others will want to upgrade.

NickW

[Rupert]

Hi All,

This would seem a vaguely suitable thread to post a thought/question, one which is mainly aimed at Peter.

How different are the proposed series three kits going to be from the existing series two kits, and what is the likelyhood of ugrading the existing series two kits to the new spec as it were.

It would seem to me, given the number of series two kits out there, that there might be a lot of interest in such a possibility. I would have thought many (myself included) would be unlikely to want to completely replace what they have, given the not inconsiderable cost, but replacing the guts (new PCB components etc), whilst retaining the case and other hardware etc., might seem more appealing and cost effective. Obviously, if bigger cases are going to be required, for larger valves, then this will be difficult.

Rupert