The SPL Elector is a high-quality analogue pre-amplifier that features VOLTAiR technology, delivering a huge dynamic range and low distortion. German engineered with a studio heritage, it provides a holographic soundstage and a wide frequency response for an immersive listening experience.

SPL Elector - Analogue Pre-Amp with VOLTAiR technology

The Elector is the perfect preamplifier for the lover of pure analog technology. With motorized, remote volume control, tape monitor path, retro-look-VU-meter and the all superior VOLTAiR technology the Elector brings analog sources to new life.

Aluminium Volume Control

One of the most important parts that influence the sound quality of a pre-amplifier is the Volume control - all sources pass through it and it's job seems easy to do - yet s difficult to do very well. 
The massive 45mm volume control knob milled from aluminum is a haptic highlight. Its mass together with the motorized Alps RK27 “Big Blue” potentiometer enhances the “spoon in the honey” feeling even further.

The red marker LED ensures good visibility of the volume parameter even in darkened environments.

Up to six (6 !) analog stereo sources can be connected to the Elector - The Elector offers three pairs of balanced inputs with XLR jacks and three standard inputs with gold-plated RCA jacks.

Two mechanical VU meters visualize the input levels for the left and right audio channel.With the VU switch you can optimize the display for different signal levels.

Flexible Output configurations incl. Tape Monitor !

A tape monitor circuitry is quite retro.
Who still owns a cassette recorder or a tape machine?
Who else loops in an equalizer?

To put it another way:
Who would like to do it and cannot do it because no manufacturer offers a tape monitor circuit anymore?

Well, those who want can again.

The Elector also provides two stereo output pairs for connecting power amplifiers or active loudspeakers.

One pair of outputs with XLR, the other with RCA outputs. Both have the same output signal, which is controlled by the big volume control. Thus, a pair of speakers can be fed via one stereo output and a subwoofer via the second stereo output. The playback volume for both stereo outputs is adjusted together via the volume control on the Elector.

With a DIP switch on the back of the device, the volume control for the RCA and XLR outputs can separately be switched out of the signal path – this makes the respective output a “Slave Thru” output to e.g. connect a headphone amplifier with its own volume control. The volume control of the Elector no longer affects the playback volume of the connected headphone amplifier when a stereo output’s Slave Thru mode is active.

Home Theater Bypass

Since the hardware revision 1.1, the Elector features a Home Theater Bypass function. This allows the Elector to be used in combination with a multi-channel home theater system. The L and R channels of the home theater system can be simply connected to Input 6 of Elector. When the Home Theater Bypass is active (DIP 4), Input 6 is no longer affected by the volume control of the Elector.

The VOLTAiR Technology

The 120V technology is our reference technology. The 120V technology is unique in the world. It operates at a DC voltage of 120 volts. This is four times that of IC-based semiconductor op-amps. In our Professional Fidelity series, we refer to this unsurpassed technology as VOLTAiR technology.

The highest possible audio quality requires the highest possible audio operating voltage.

The 120V technology works with +/-60 V. To be able to handle such a high voltage, we have developed special proprietary operational amplifiers that can operate with a DC voltage of +/-60 V: the SPL 120V SUPRA operational amplifiers. This high voltage would destroy conventional components and operational amplifiers.

The 120V technology achieves exceptional technical specifications and sonic benefits. Technically, in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom. Sonically, in terms of richness of detail and an absolutely relaxed listening experience. 

By the way, the “120V” in the name of the technology has nothing to do with the local mains voltage from the mains power socket. This is about the operating voltage inside the device with which the audio signals are processed.

The mains voltage from the mains power socket is transformed to the required secondary voltage in the device’s internal linear power supply with toroidal transformer. Rectifiers convert this AC voltage into DC voltage required in the audio device.

Comparison

Most audio devices work with an internal operating voltage of +/-15 volts and can thus process a maximum input level of +21.5 dBu. If a DAC, for example, has an output level of +22 dBu at 0 dBFS, level peaks of the music material would already cause overloads in the input stage of the device. All components in the audio device often operate at their limits. The result is an unsteady sound that causes stress and faster ear fatigue.

SPL devices with VOLTAiR technology can handle input levels of +32.5 dBu thanks to the higher internal operating voltage of +/- 60 volts – thus offering 12 dB more headroom. All components consequently operate continuously in the optimum operating range. The result is a very pleasant, natural and relaxed sound experience. So you can enjoy your music in every detail.