Icon Audio LA5 Pre Amplifier

At its core, Icon Audio's transformer-based LA5 TX is an all-valve, low-gain line preamplifier that buffers the input and provides the transformer with peak drive. But unlike most of its transformer-based peers--many of which cost much, much more--the UK-designed component utilizes two in-house-developed line-level output transformers to achieve premium balance and astonishing extension, involving dynamics, tube-exclusive richness, and unshakable focus. The LA5 TX will instantly appeal to listeners that crave the unmistakable sound of instruments, voices, and atmospherics in a defined acoustic space.

The design logic behind the output transformers is rather simple. First, a 6SN7 valve buffers the input source, presenting a constant high-impedance load, making irrelevant the strength of the previous stage. (Conversely, if a transformer is only used for gain, the results depend on the power of the previous stage.) The LA5 TX's transformer into a perfect balanced output or phono RCA. The preamp's strikingly low 250-ohm output impedance is strong enough to drive practically any length or type of interconnect cable without doing any harm to the signal.

Going the distance, the LA5 TX 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 the supreme aural presentation. Icon also employs the aforementioned 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.

Like all Icon amps and preamps, the LA5 TX 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.

A DC heater supply, remote control, high-quality 2W metal film and wire-wound resistors, ALPS Blue motorized volume pot, Solen/SCR audio capacitors, four line inputs, record loop, 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:
Icon Audio custom output transformers
All hand wired point to point
ALPs Blue motorized volume pot
Stepped attenuator option
All Triode simple design
2x 6SN7 valves
274B Valve rectifier (also use GZ34/5AR4/5U4)
Double Choke HT supply
DC heater supply
High quality 2w metal film, & wire-wound resistors
Solen/SCR audio capacitors (Jensen option)
Silver TEFLON audio cable
Gold-plated Input terminals
Four line inputs
Record loop