L3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit - Mk 2
Pre-Amplifier with Transformer-Coupled Output - Balanced or Single-Ended Output (formerly called the M3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit)

 


 

We are pleased to announce the new versions of the L3 Pre-amplifier – the L3 Line Mk2 (we now also have the L3 Line Remote, which is a version with remote control capabilities). The L3 Line MkII boasts a number of features and configurations for the DIY connoisseur! This transformer coupled line pre-amplifier is the ultimate in Audio Note DIY engineering.

Since first introducing the L3 kit back in 2005 (known then as the M3 Line Kit) we have received many enhancement requests for the L3 from the Audiophile community including Extension Kits for the selector switch, optional Stereo and mono stepped attenuators, transformer options, different price points etc.


 
Component View
Enlarge Image

 
Component View
Enlarge Image

New Choke De-coupling Circuitry

We have also added some new circuitry called CHOKE–decoupling.

The schematic opposite shows the location of the 15H choke.

Basically, the output transformers now connect directly to the power supply B+. The B+ from the power supply connects to the 15H choke and this feeds the HT (High Tension) voltage on the 5687 Board. The instructions in the manual show the details – a 68uf capacitor is incorporated to ground after the choke.

RCA Single-Ended versus XLR Balanced Outputs

Whether you use RCA outputs or balanced XLR outputs is down to which output transformer you choose for your kit. Our now standard output transformer is an I/E core transformer for RCA output.

If you wish to used XLR balanced outputs, you can order the kit with the optional TRANS 027 (I/E core) or HiB Double C-Core (see available upgrades below). Using these transformers you can provide both single-ended and balanced outputs.


The new version comes in several different configurations:

L3 Line Standard Version (with RCA output) $1,699(USD)

The standard version includes the following:

Noble Volume Pot
I/E Core output transformers
(RCA only, non-balanced output)
Audio Note Tin Foil Film Signal Capacitors
Beyschlag Resistors
High Quality Electrolytic Capacitors
DACT extension kit
ELMA Selector Switch
Audio Note AN-A Shielded cable
PTFE silver plated copper wire
Stainless Steel Metric Hardware
Steel Shield
Silver Plated RCA's
M2 Power Supply (6X5/ECL82)
5687 Line Board (Hardwired or PCB)

L3 Line Signature Version (with RCA output) $1,999(USD)

Includes everything from the standard version above but upgrades the 5687 line board to use:

Audio Note Copper Foil Film Signal Capacitors
Audio Note 1W Tantalum resistors
Black Gate Capacitors

Available Upgrades for Standard and Signature Versions

The following upgrades are available to upgrade the Standard or Signature models to your own deleuxe recipe:

DACT, ELMA, or GoldPoint stepped attenuators (stereo or mono) (enquire)
Audio Note AN-V shielded cable between extender and Volume Pots (enquire)


The standard and Signature versions of the kit come with I/E core output transformers for RCA (single-ended output) - The following alternative transaformers are also available:

I/E core with Balanced output Add $250(USD)
C-core (HiB) output transformers Add $800(USD)

Options and Configurations

Pot Options

With this new release of the L2 and L3 pre-amplifiers, kit builders will be able to order a number of high quality Potentiometers (Stepped Mono or Stereo) from various high quality Audio parts manufacturers - the kit will be shipped with a standard Noble Volume Pot. The chassis has been configured to accept these Potentiometers/Stepped Attenautors in either a mono or stereo configuration.

It is possible to fit either one stereo or two mono potentiometers to the L3 Line Pre-amplifier - the choice is yours and we have the correct front panel to accomodate either configuration.

A number of makes are available to you including Goldpoint and DACT etc. (amongst others). The pictures below show Goldpoint and DACT stepped attenuators.

2x Goldpoint mono stepped attenuators
Goldpoint stereo stepped attenuator

 

DACT stereo stepped attenuator

Input Selector Extender

We have also added a very high quality extender kit for the ELMA selector with a custom made bracket for the ultimate in short length leads and high quality switching.

Normally, a pre-amplifier's input selector switch is physically situated on the front panel. This means that all of the inputs have to be routed quite a long way. Our solution is to use an extender. This allows the switch itself to be mouted closer to the input sockets so that much smaller lengths of wire can be used to connect to it.

 

Output Transformer Options

The standard kits now come with our new unbalanced (single-ended) transformer. We are also making the kit available with the Trans 027 I/E core or the Hi-B Double C-Core version as additional options - these may be wired as either balanced or unbalanced.


Trans 027 balanced I/E core version

Hi-B Double C-Core version*

* Please note that the optional Hi-B transformers come with standard brackets. Copper brackets or copper shrouds can be ordered additionally with these – please enquire on the cost (this also applies to the signature version).

More Pictures

The following pictures show an L3 Line Signature with optional DACT stereo attenuator.

Click on an image below to zoom-in or cycle through the images using the arrow buttons below.

The complete pre-amp solution

To complete your pre-amplification section, you may want to consider adding our ultimate choice for vinly pre-amplification - the L3 Phono Stage Kit.

The picture opposite shows the L3 Phono Stage Kit sitting on top of the L3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit.

This combination provides an extremely high standard of pre-amplification for any serious vinyl user to consider.


Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter Offer

AudioNote Kits is now able to offer a good quality auto-ranging digital multimeter that you can use to test your kit during and after the build. Along with the test CD's that we provide with the kits, you will be able to do accurate DC, AC and resistance checks with your multimeter optionally supplied with the kit to assure a correctly working unit.

The unit is very easy to use with a simple click to change from AC to DC to ohms and we will explain how to use the meter in the documentation. Please enquire about one if you don't already own a meter.

Click here for more information.


What customers are saying about the L3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit

"The L3 with the Choke decouplig circuitry is more refined and silent than before, it's not easy to hear some noise when put at maximum volume and I was able to clearly hear much more nuances in a singer voice than before.

Now I'm at 100 hours break-in, and I can say it's a wonderful piece of gear."

Felice Seregni


The L3 Line pre-amp is playing excellent. It has the warmth and perspective I was hoping for, deep bass like when hearing solo floor-bass is fantastic! and it might even improve as the black-gates are "playing in"

Martin Hjorto


Related Links


 Interstage Mono Blocks   Kit1 300B/2A3 - Standard Edition   Kit1 300B/2A3 - PQ Edition   Kit2 6550   L3 Remote Pre-Amplifier Kit   L3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit   L3 Phono Stage Kit   Moving Coil Step-up Kit   L2 Pre-Amplifier Kit   DAC Kit 2.1 Level C   DAC Kit 2.1 Level A and B   DAC Kit 2.0   Speaker Kit AN/E   Kit4 Push Pull Amplifier