The SKpre has been designed primarily as a simple to use x 4 or 12dB gain line stage preamplifier complete with it's own close mounted 80dB discrete regulators and power supply. The single channel module has a 10K log taper input volume control feeding the fully conplementary differential high gain bootstrapped input stage using matched pair high gain low noise transistors. This is followed by the low gain 300MHz transistor Class A output stage allowing Class A operation to 10mA output. Simple but effective 2 transistor bootstrapped regulators ensure a supply impedance of less than 10 milliohms, and greater than 80dB regulation across the audio bandwidth for excellent low noise supply performance.

In addition, the module includes an indicator LED and being totally DC coupled, DC offset adjustment. The active stage can be wired in inverting mode to provide an inverted signal for balanced outputs and for I/V interface on DAC outputs. It can also, with a couple of minor component changes, be configured as a balanced in to unbalanced out unity gain buffer for power amplifier inputs. The PCB is fully ground planed, with through hole plating, and component placement overlay for an easy build, with very low noise and interference. RF filters take care of stray RF pickup without impacting the audio bandwidth.

The unique topology of the SKpre in conjunction with the local 80+dB discrete low noise regulators ensures very low noise and distortion maximising transmission of spatial and timbral detail