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

The above picture shows the L3 Line Pre-Amplifier Kit with Volume L+R front panel option.

This rear view shows the interfacing possibilities

The AudioNote L3 Line Pre-Amplifier kit is very finest in transformer coupled pre-amplification.

The 5687 Analog output stage drives an output transformer proving a balanced output (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) audio output signal. The L3 Line Pre-amplifier is an ideal match to drive the new InterStage Mono Blocks or to be coupled with the L3 Phono unit or DAC2.1.

The unit has up to 5 selectable inputs controlled by a very high quality ELMA selector switch. The unit supports either a single Volume control or stepped attenuators for left and right VOL control.

The output transformers are 33:1 step down transformers. In unbalanced mode (RCA) we have an overall maximum gain of about 8:1. In Balanced mode, using the XLR outputs, we have a gain of 16x. Choices of either I/E cores or Double C-Core types are available.

Using such a transformer output stage has many advantages both sonically and for matching purposes. It's low impedance output means that it will match with virtually any power amplifier - valve or transistor - making it a highly versatile device.

High quality ELMA switches are used for input selection and high quality silver plated PTFE signal wire is used for signal input wiring.

Some high quality ELMA switches

Shown here with shield removed

Front and rear views

We are making the kit available with either the Trans 027 I/E core or the Hi-B Double C-Core version.

I/E core version

Hi-B Double C-Core version*

Front Panel Options

The L3 Line Pre-amplifier Kit now comes in two possible front face plate configurations:

Single Volume Control
The first option is a single Volume Control. The reason for this is that the Balance pot is becoming extinct. We have also found a lot of customers wiring without the balance pot to have less in the audio signal path, so the new standard L3 Line front will just have a single Volume control on the right side and a selector switch on the left side.

Dual Volume Controls
The second option is to have two holes which can be used with stepped attenuators so that you would have a VOL L and a VOL R (as seen in the pictrue at the top of this page).

Please specify your preference when ordering.

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.

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