Icon Audio LA4 MkIII Pre Amplifier

A preamplifier without a first-rate power supply is about as valuable as the box in which it comes. Which is why Icon Audio double-downed on the power supply and associated design in its handmade LA4 MKIII line preamplifier. The all-Triode component has two chokes in double Pi configuration, which translates into optimal smoothing and inky black silence. A Western Electric-designed 274B rectifier valve--the finest-sounding power valve on the market--adds to aural majesty.

Touting improved cosmetics, lower feedback, lower gain, and an enhanced circuit for 2013, the LA4 MKIII is a simple albeit profound-sounding single-stage unit followed by an output buffer. Icon employs three 6SN7 double-triode audio valves, 1940s vintage devices defined by their fluid character, large size, long life, and tremendous stability. Users can also experiment with modern types. Combined with the preeminent build quality (the heavy alloy and steel chassis looks and feels amazing), and you've a preamp that's made for long workouts.

Like all Icon amps and preamps, the LA4 MKIII is entirely point-to-point hand-wired and contains no printed circuit boards or transistors, which degrade valve performance and color the signals. It's all in the service of ensuring that you're hearing music in the finest-possible sound. In striving to attain the same goal, the approach allows for effortless upgrading to larger capacitors and provides for easy servicing.

A DC heater supply, remote control, high-quality 2W metal film and wire-wound resistors, Solen/SCR audio capacitors, four line inputs, tape monitor circuit and record output, and gold-plated input terminals are also standard. Icon takes any worry out of the purchase by providing a two-year parts-and-labor warranty as well as full service and support for the lifetime of the product. That's how it should be, and while most competitors don't go to such extremes, Icon is happy to do so.

Features:
All hand-wired point-to-point
No printed circuit board to 'colour' sound
ALPs Blue motorized volume pot
All Triode design
3x 6SN7 valves
274B Valve rectifier (also use GZ34/5AR4/5R4)
Suitable for power amps 100mv-5v sensitivity
High quality 2w metal film, & wire-wound resistors
Solen/SCR audio capacitors (Jensen upgrade option)
Silver PTFE audio cable
Gold plated Input terminals
Four line inputs
Tape monitor circuit and record output