Townshend Audio has unveiled the new Allegri Reference, a passive preamp which “sets a new standard in volume control performance”. The reed relay switched auto-transformer volume control (AVC) has 129 half decibel steps volume steps, more than twice that of the Allegri+ that we use as a reference on the Ear. The Allegri Reference is remote-controlled, wired with point-to-point Fractal-Wire throughout and suspended on the company’s Seismic isolation feet.
The Allegri Reference is a microprocessor-controlled, passive, AVC preamplifier with an LED display and five stereo phono inputs and two pairs of balanced XLRs. The XLRs are in parallel with inputs 1 and 2. There is also a 3.5mm jack socket, on the front panel, in parallel with input five. For output, it has two sets of stereo phonos and one pair of balanced XLRs.
“Designed with the goal of absolute signal purity, it is the optimum solution for the heart of your system. It is the ultimate, timeless, state-of-the-art, purely analogue, passive, stereo audio volume control. It is exactly what every audio enthusiast has been waiting for.
“Embodying Townshend’s renowned crystal-clear treble, open, lucid mid-band, and subterranean bass, as delivered by the earlier Allegri+ preamplifier, the Allegri Reference amazingly delivers another level of sound quality. Whilst unveiling previously hidden fine detail, the Allegri Reference is uniquely able to transform the entire sound-stage into a holographic-like experience. Instruments, singers and the original acoustics of the venue, morph from between the speakers into a ‘real’, exciting, enjoyable performance.”
The case and isolating feet are made of anodised aluminium and are available in either a natural silver or black finish, the Allegri Reference retails for £8,000.